Update on the 2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic

March 8, 2010

Based upon the recommendation provided by Executive Director Nancy Dragani of the

Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Governor Strickland will terminate the

emergency proclamation of October 7, 2009 on March 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM.

Following this date and time, the administration of vaccinations by Ohio EMS personnel

will be outside the Ohio EMS scope of practice; and therefore, strictly prohibited.

As stated in my last update, the state of Ohio demobilized its H1N1 response plan on

February 8, 2010. The incidence of confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in Ohio has

remained minimal for the past six weeks, but this virus has not been eradicated. Our

EMS community will continue to provide treatment and transport for patients with H1N1

influenza despite the termination of the emergency proclamation. All members of our

EMS community must continue to exercise these basic, yet potentially life-saving,

measures to prevent the spread of disease.

• Get vaccinated! There are sufficient supplies of the H1N1 influenza vaccine for

all individuals who desire to receive it and it readily available at public health

clinics and many physicians’ offices.

• Exercise diligent hand washing before and after all contacts with patients and

other individuals.

• Don the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all patient

encounters.

• Continue to obtain education about H1N1 influenza. The H1N1 influenza

resource materials, including the Vaccinations for Ohio EMS Personnel training

module, will remain posted on the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of

EMS website at www.ems.ohio.gov.

The contributions of Ohio EMS personnel during Ohio’s H1N1 influenza mass

immunization campaign were significant and have had a positive impact upon disease

prevention. In addition, our Ohio EMS agencies have steadfastly served the public and

the emergency care system during this pandemic despite enduring weeks of increased call

and transport volumes combined with overwhelmed emergency departments and

hospitals. On behalf of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS, we

applaud each of you for your dedicated service.

Carol A. Cunningham, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM

State Medical Director

Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS