PRR – First Responders – Disease Outbreaks

PREPARE

In the event of a disease outbreak, individuals may seek treatment, sometimes in large numbers at once. Often times, the spread of these diseases can be rapid and easily contagious. The health of a first responder is crucial to providing aid for others. So it is important for first responders to be aware of many factors on how to properly treat such individuals and how to remain healthy at the same time. Here are a list of actions that first responders can take in order to safely and securely assist others while promoting the safety of themselves and their families.

 

  • Create an emergency kit. Your kit should contain (not exhaustive):
    • Water to last at least three days
    • Food to last at least three days
    • Flashlight (with extra batteries)
    • First-aid kit
    • Whistle
    • Blankets
    • Toolkit
    • A full list of items can be found on https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.
  • Keep yourself healthy. If possible, avoid family members to avoid a potential exposure after treating others. Ensure that your immunizations are up to date. A list of recommended immunizations can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/disease/responderimmun.html.
  • Create a plan of action with family members in the event you will be unable to assist them
  • Note that children and the elderly are most vulnerable. It is important to have children quarantined and treated separately so their risk of infection is lower.
  • Ensure that other first responders and medical officials are all aware of the necessary procedures and are on the same page in the event of a major incident
  • Know and understand the diseases or viruses that are being transmitted and consider whether this could be an act of bioterrorism. If so, inform local authorities immediately.
  • Ask individuals with similar symptoms how they believe they became infected. Similar accounts and stories could be an indicator of bioterrorism acts.
  • Know the proper procedures for administering medication or vaccines if necessary



Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/Bioterrorism.html

https://familydoctor.org/bioterrorism/?adfree=true

RESPOND

During an infectious disease, it is critical that one protects themselves and others from the disease, especially those who are more vulnerable. One should do the following:

– Avoid going to crowded places

– Wear a face mask when going to a crowded place

– Wash your hands as often as possible

– Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, eyes with your hands

– Stay home if you’re infected and contagious

– Limit the number of people that take care of you

RECOVER

Even after a disease outbreak, it is essential for people to maintain good hygienic practices, , so that the victims do not suffer again. Practices such as:

  • Frequently washing hands
  • Showering
  • Avoid touching face with hands

Post infectious disease outbreak, the public health system is weak and fragile. First responders have the responsibility to help rebuild the public health system as soon as possible and as efficiently as possible so that the damage is minimized.

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