Influenza (flu) affects from 5 to 20%
of the US population in a given year and causes thousands of
deaths, especially among very young children and senior
citizens. As one of Oregon’s largest EMS providers, TVF&R’s
emergency responders see firsthand the consequences of
individuals affected by flu. Each season our Firefighter
EMTs/Paramedics are called to assist patients of all ages.
Learn more:
Oregon Public Health
CDC
Keeping our Responders in Service: Protection from the Flu
Like nurses, doctors, and other
healthcare workers who interact with flu patients, it is
important that our Firefighter EMTs/Paramedics are protected
to minimize their risk of contracting the flu. The following
are ways in which Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Firefighter
EMTs/Paramedics help ensure they stay healthy and on the job
during flu season - and avoid transmitting the flu to others:
-
Using standard (universal) medical
precautions when contacting patients, including wearing
gloves and goggles at the scene and decontaminating
medical equipment.
-
Adding more
protection if a patient presents with symptoms, or we
know beforehand from the 9-1-1 dispatch information
including: masks, gowns, and limiting crew exposure.
-
Taking the same preventive steps
that we encourage the public to take, e.g., washing
hands often, eating a balanced diet, and getting
sufficient rest.
-
Getting a flu shot: a majority of our response
personnel have received one, but only about a third of
people in the US get one - use
Oregon's Flu Vaccine Finder
to get yours!
Other resources on seasonal and pandemic influenza