1	Avian & Pandemic Influenza International Association of Fire Fighters
2	Module Objectives After this module, you will be able to: Identify the differences between seasonal, epidemic and pandemic infections. Describe the symptoms of avian flu, how it is spread, the potential for an avian flu pandemic and the effects of a pandemic. Describe how you can help your department prepare for a pandemic. Describe the role of the safety/infection control and prevention officer before and after a pandemic. Explain how to protect yourself and patients. Explain proper decontamination procedures. Explain the importance of seasonal flu vaccination.
3	Exercise Objectives Share general information on avian influenza. Identify the differences between seasonal, epidemic and pandemic infections. Describe the symptoms of avian flu, how it is spread and the potential for an avian flu pandemic.
4	Avian & Pandemic Influenza Overview Avian flu is: Spread from birds to humans Spread from bird to bird through migration Currently, spread only from birds to humans, not human to human Avian flu could become a pandemic. There is no immunity to avian flu. The FDA approved a vaccine in 2007. It will take time to test and distribute the vaccine. For more information, explore: Pandemic Flu Resources for First Responders http://www.iaff.org/pandemicflu/ PandemicFlu.gov http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html.
5	Seasonal Flu, Epidemics and Pandemics Seasonal flu Respiratory illness Transmitted person-to-person Vaccine is available Epidemic An illness contained in a specific geographic area (e.g., Asia, the United States, Europe) Pandemic A global disease outbreak
6	Why Does Avian Flu Have the Potential to Become a Pandemic? It’s being spread by migratory birds. It can be transmitted from birds to mammals (including humans). There is no human immunity. It’s resistant to antiviral medications commonly used. The virus continues to mutate.
7	How Is Avian Flu Spreading?
8	Number of Deaths
9	Symptoms of Avian Flu Persistent fever Chills Productive or dry cough Shortness of breath Fatigue Muscle aches Low white blood count (lymphophemia) Progression to pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) within five to seven days
10	Exercise Objective Predict the effects of a pandemic flu on the: Individual Family Department Community Nation
11	IAFF Influenza Pandemic Checklist
12	Exercise Objective Describe the role of the safety/infection control and prevention officer both before a pandemic and after an incident.
13	The Role of the Safety/Infection Control and Prevention Officer Before a pandemic, ensure: The fire station is a safe work environment. There are adequate supplies and equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) fits. Fire fighters use proper equipment at the proper times.
14	The Role of the Safety/Infection Control and Prevention Officer After an incident, ensure: Health incidents are reported to health center. Fire fighters follow incident-related decontamination guidelines. Administrative and PPE controls are followed.
15	Exercise Objective Describe how to keep the most vulnerable areas safe from avian flu.
16	Respiratory Protection
17	Fit-Testing for Disposable Masks
18	Hand Care Wash hands properly. Wear disposable medical gloves. Keep waterless hand cleaner in your EMS bag. Discard gloves – do not wash or reuse gloves.
19	Eye Care Don protective eyewear. Do not rub eyes.
20	Exercise Objective Identify precautions to take when caring for and transporting patients with the flu.
21	Precautions for Patient Care Request patients cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. Apply disposable surgical masks or disposable respirators. Use bag-valve-masks. Never use direct mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask resuscitation.
22	Precautions for Patient Transport Do not allow air to re-circulate within the transport vehicle. Do not remove respirators to eat or drink. Have patients wear surgical masks, if tolerated. Use simple and non-rebreather face mask for oxygen support.
23	Exercise Objective Describe how to decontaminate equipment that may have been contaminated with avian flu.
24	Exercise Objective Explain why it is important to get a vaccine for seasonal flu.
25	Recap In this module, you learned: Basic facts about avian and pandemic influenza How a pandemic could affect the fire house, the department, your family, the wider community and the nation How to prepare the department for a pandemic How to keep yourself safe How to care for and transport patients who may be infected with avian or pandemic flu How to decontaminate equipment Why vaccinations are important
26	Appendices Appendix A – Facilitators Guide to Preparing for a Pandemic Flu: What First Responders Need to Know Appendix B – Emergency Plan for First Responder Families Worksheet Appendix C – Additional Resources IAFF Influenza Web Sites PandemicFlu.gov Center for Disease Control (CDC) Web Site National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety & Health Training
27	Exercise Objective Plan actions you will take to change your behavior based on the topics covered in this unit.