Measles Health Advisory
(Source: CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Health Advisory regarding the high number of reported measles cases in 2011. From 1 January through 17 June, 156 confirmed cases of measles were reported to the CDC. This is the highest reported number in the United States since 1996. Most of these cases were associated with the arrival of people from countries where large outbreaks are occurring.
M easles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing, according to the CDC. The Emergency Management and Response – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that i t causes fever, runny nose, cough, and a red or reddish-brown rash all over the body. It can also trigger severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
Emergency Services Sector personnel, particularly those of the Emergency Medical Services, should be aware there may be localities with unvaccinated populations who are susceptible to measles infection. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to an active case of measles will likely become infected and, subsequently, expose any first responders with whom they come in contact. The CDC suggests health-care providers should suspect measles in persons with a febrile rash illness and clinically compatible symptoms (e.g., cough, sneezing, nasal congestion), especially if the individual has recently traveled abroad.
Because emergency personnel are at high risk of exposure, the CDC recommends responders with no evidence of immunity to measles acquire two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is “safe and highly effective in preventing measles and its complications.” For more information, see the Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases .
Independence Day Preparatory Measures
(Source: EMR-ISAC and U.S. Fire Administration)
Independence Day celebrations attract hundreds of citizens at countless locations throughout the United States. Although there are no substantiated threats against this year's holiday observances, Fourth of July activities present attractive opportunities for homegrown and foreign terrorists to cause mass casualties as well as the destruction of critical infrastructures.
The Emergency Management and Response – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) understands that community leaders, particularly those of Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies, must consider the possibility of terrorism, criminal behavior, vandalism, confrontational tactics, demonstrations, service disruptions, etc. Local government officials and their ESS organizations can capitalize on the few remaining days to ensure critical infrastructures (i.e., personnel, physical assets, and communication/cyber systems) are sufficiently protected and prepared for any civil unrest, criminal violence, or terrorism that might occur during events on the weekend of 2 to 4 July.
To protect citizens, civil liberties, local critical infrastructures, community morale, as well as holiday festivities, the EMR-ISAC provides the following basic preparatory measures obtained from various sources for the consideration of ESS leaders and operators:
- Encourage personnel to be alert and immediately report any situation that appears to constitute a threat or suspicious activity.
- Develop provisions to validate the identity of official personnel, guests, and vehicles that may be seen at or near planned gatherings.
- Familiarize with local first responder uniforms and vehicles, including those from mutual aid partners and other adjacent municipalities.
- Establish strict internal accountability for uniforms, accouterments, vehicles, operating devices, codes, and anything else that can be used by adversaries to "legitimize" their presence or to facilitate illicit acts.
- Ascertain if there is any group (violent or non-violent) that plans to appear at local celebrations with or without a formally approved permit.
- Rehearse plans to professionally intercept and remove individuals or groups that unlawfully disrupt proceedings.
- Confirm the readiness of local stakeholders and mutual aid partners to execute emergency response plans if an attack or violence occurs.
- Reinforce the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System.
Citizen and Responder Fireworks Safety
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration)
It would be hard to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks. However, according to the June 2011 Fireworks Report Executive Summary (PDF, 925.6 Kb) by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more fires are reported on that day than any other day of the year in the United States, and fireworks account for nearly half of those fires.
The NFPA reported that each Independence Day, thousands of people, mostly teens and children are injured while using consumer fireworks. “The risk of fireworks injury is more than twice as high for children ages 10 to 14 compared to the general population.” Furthermore, “The risk of fire death relative to exposure shows fireworks to be more risky per hour of usage than cigarettes.” There were three fatalities related to fireworks in 2010. Hence, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities.
The Emergency Management and Response – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) acknowledges that the use and abuse of fireworks is a matter of concern for Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies. The dangerous mix of explosive energy, possible alcohol consumption, and a bunch of people using fireworks in the dark has the potential to make the holiday an incredibly difficult and perilous day for first responders. Fireworks not only create significant dangers to citizens when used improperly or illegally but also increase the demands on fire departments and firefighters as well as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Therefore, it would be prudent for ESS organizations to review safety procedures when responding to an emergency involving the presence and use of fireworks during the days surrounding our nation's birthday.
The EMR-ISAC suggests the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Press Release and NFPA Fact Sheet (PDF, 135 Kb) for information regarding safety during Independence Day celebrations. A focus on the use of fireworks can be seen at this USFA website , as well as the 2011 Media Release and 2010 Fireworks Annual Report (PDF, 325 Kb) by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Fire and EMS Training Program
(Source: Fire Engineering)
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) received information from Fire Engineering regarding the availability of a new free training program:
Fire and EMS Response to Civil Unrest . It was prepared by the Firefighters Support Foundation to address the possibility of fire and EMS units playing a role in responding to civil unrest events.
This program consists of a 40-minute video program and an accompanying 46-slide PowerPoint presentation. Emergency Services Sector departments and agencies can have their personnel view the video material and use the PowerPoint file as hard copy notes. Individuals can choose to view either resource independently.
More information on the subject of training can be seen here. |
