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KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING BULLETIN

BULLETIN NUMBER: 2014 - 021 DATE: October 14, 2014

Suspected Ebola and Enterovirus D68 Tiered Responses

I’m sure that everyone has been keeping abreast of the developments regarding the above viruses that have been spreading through West Africa and North America respectively. In the interest of keeping our firefighters safe, the organization felt it was important to distribute some guidance in the event that you and your crew may encounter an individual infected with one of these viruses.

Ebola is a rare and deadly disease known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) is providing key points for first responders and 9-1- 1 communicators when dealing with patients who have or suspected of having Ebola. This information contains guidance on infection control, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning of PPE and vehicles after a response, etc. To access this important information please click on hyperlink http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/interim- guidance-emergency-medical-services-systems-911-public-safety-answering- points-management-patients-known-suspected-united-states.html#ppe

According to Public Health Ontario (2014), Enterovirus D68 is “...a specific enterovirus that causes respiratory illness. Symptoms range from a mild cold-like illness with coughing and wheezing to severe infections that require hospitalization.” The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has provided information for public health care professionals that may be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html Additional information may be found at: http://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/BrowseByTopic/InfectiousDiseases/Pages/ Enterovirus-D68.aspx#whatprecautions

More information on these viruses will be provided as it becomes available. In the interim, use extreme caution when responding to a tiered response with the criteria of difficulty breathing or Febrile Respiratory Illness (FRI). Please follow KFD Operating Procedure SUP #711- FRI, ILI, & H1N1 Influenza Response to ensure crew and patient safety. Should you have any further questions, please contact the Training Division for clarification.

Sincerely,

S. Mac Innis Training Director