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Biosecurity Briefing
Study: First Responders Will Report for Duty if Protected By Shana Deitch, June 1, 2007 According to a study published in the spring edition of the journal Disaster Management and Response, most first responders surveyed would not fulfill their duties in an infectious disease outbreak such as smallpox or pandemic influenza, for fear of exposure to illness.1 To complete the study, researchers mailed survey packets to 300 paramedics in the Ann Arbor, Michigan region. The survey, which asked responders about their willingness and ability to report for duty during smallpox outbreak, included information about transmission of smallpox, treatment, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Of the 95 completed and returned questionnaires (32% response rate), 79% of respondents stated that they would “definitely not” or “probably” not remain on duty to treat or care for individuals exposed to smallpox if no vaccine or PPE were available. However, if vaccine were available within four days of attack/exposure and respondents had PPE, the same number, 79%, replied that they would “probably” or “definitely” remain on duty to care for patients. 86% of respondents who had been vaccinated prior to the event and were aware of their immune status would most likely remain to care for patients. 31% of participants were not willing to stay and care for or treat exposed individuals if they were vaccinated but their family was not.1 According to the study, “Younger age, male gender, single status, and having no children younger than 18 years were associated with a greater likelihood of remaining on duty.” 59% of respondents were male, and 43% had children under 18 years of age.1 Researchers believe that the results of the study can be extrapolated to an influenza pandemic “given the similarities between the epidemiology of smallpox and a pandemic strain of influenza,” citing the potential mortality, virulence, ease and routes of transmission, and public perception of each disease. They also call for pre-pandemic planning for first responders, such as strategies for rapid vaccination when a vaccine becomes available, strategies for stockpiling and disseminating antivirals, hospital and local government stockpiling of PPE, and education for first responders on how to protect themselves and their families in the event of a pandemic.1 Reference
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