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SWINE FLU HEALTH ALERT
Several cases of the human swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified in the North America and the European nations. On April 26th the United State Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. It is important to recognize that there are two (2) important issues that we can all assist with.
First, follow flu prevention guidelines. Get a flu vaccine. Though the swine flu is a different strain than the seasonal flu, it is believed to lessen the effects. Ensure you and all family members take everyday preventative actions to reduce the spread of germs. This means thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with sick people, avoid touching you nose and mouth, and if you are sick – please stay home. If you get sick, consult your doctor.
Lastly, in challenging times, one of the most critical ideas to remember, is to pass on factual information only. Though this is an evolving event and information is changing as Scientist and Doctors collect new information on this outbreak. Factual and the most up to date information can be found at the Center for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, for worldwide information the World Health Organization’s website is at http://www.who.int/en/
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services
through the Paramedic Program.
The Battalion Chief in charge of the Emergency Preparedness program is also responsible for Emergency Medical Services. The program goal of the Paramedic Program is to deliver a high level of advanced life support pre-hospital care by well-trained personnel, as well as to meet the education and delivery standards required by the State of California to ensure this level of service. This goal is being met through the following:
- Coordination the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services.
- Promotion of the highest standards of emergency care, rapid response, and CPR instruction for the public and City employees,
- On-going training and certification programs.
The Paramedic Program of the Redlands Fire Department began in 1981 and has dramatically improved the level of pre-hospital emergency care for the citizens of Redlands. The highly-trained paramedic functions as an extension of the emergency room doctor and with his guidance is able to administer the necessary medical treatment in order to stabilize the patient prior to transport to the hospital. Paramedics presently respond from all fire stations.
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