I was sitting outside the Austin Fire Department last night with my friends Andre and Leigh, just hanging out, discussing, etc.
I metioned how Pcounts™ was heading back to nola soon, and how he should get innoculated.
Well, Andre gave me a printout, and later posted up a pdf, which I will share here.
And, as it turns out, the PDF is editable, so i also posted its contents.
So, take one, and re-post:
Katrina Disaster Preparedness Personal Protection Information Guide.
In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, many IAFF members may be deployed to the Gulf Coast to assist. However, anyone who will be contributing to this effort should also take some precautions. The following lists some basic information that should be followed:
1) Immunizations/Infectious Diseases
· All fire fighters and emergency medical personnel should be up-to-date on their immunizations, but the most crucial at this point are Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
· A repeat Tetanus should be obtained if the last injection was greater than 10 years ago.
· If a person is unsure of their Hepatitis B status, then they should talk to their fire department physician or primary care physician about starting the three shot series and possibly receiving Hepatitis B immunoglobulin treatment.
· Since sanitation is of great concern, Hepatitis A prophylaxis is important. Hepatitis A immunoglobulin provides immediate protection and lasts up to 3 to 5 months. A Hepatitis A immunization may be given at the same time as the immunoglobulin, but immunity can take 2 weeks to adequately develop.
· If housing includes living in small, cramped quarters with numerous other individuals, then one should consider a Meningococcal vaccination. However, this decision should be discussed with your fire department physician or primary care physician.
· Some news reports have expressed concern for the development of Typhoid and/or Cholera. However, these infectious diseases are not endemic to the United States, so it is not likely that we shall see such infections.
2) Climate
· The Gulf Coast’s current temperature ranges from the upper 80s to low-to-mid 90s and being near the Gulf of Mexico creates a very hot & humid working environment. This can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, which can result in seizure or death.
· Wear loose-fitting, but breathable clothing, drink plenty of fluids (water or sports drinks), and try not to over-exert yourself. Use sunscreen and wear a hat if available.
· Avoid alcohol or too much caffeine (coffee, tea, or sodas).
· Signs of heat exhaustion include: weakness, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness/cramps, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, fast heartbeat, or worried feeling. If you have these symptoms, seek a cool, shady place to rest and drink fluids.
· Seek medical help if the above symptoms do not resolve within 15 to 30 minutes, or if skin feels hot and dry (but not sweaty), confusion or loss of consciousness, frequent vomiting, or shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
3) Animals/Reptiles/Insects
· Working in this part of the country, one should be aware of the different types of animals and reptiles that may be seen. Although rabies is rare in the United States, one should seek care and wound evaluation by medical personnel if they have been bitten by a stray or wild animal.
· Animals/reptiles include: raccoons, squirrels, opossums, armadillos, rats, mice, moles skunks, groundhogs, beavers, ferals, bats, alligators and snakes (both poisonous and non-poisonous).
· Poisonous snakes include: rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, cottonmouth, and/ or coral snakes.
· DEET repellent sprays of strength no greater than 30% can be used on exposed skin and clothing to help prevent bites. More frequent reapplication of the DEET spray may be necessary if sweating profusely or frequently getting wet.
4) Food/Water-borne Illnesses
· Again, sanitation is of great concern, so every means necessary should be taken to avoid any illnesses such as diarrhea.
· Loperamide (also known as Imodium) can be found over-the-counter and should be used in case of frequent bowel movements.
· Talk to your fire department physician or primary care physician and try to obtain Cipro or Doxycline. These antibiotics can be taken in case one should develop frequent bouts of diarrhea.
· Avoid consuming the following: tap water, chipped ice, unpasteurized milk, salads, sauces or salsas, uncooked or undercooked meats or seafood or unpeeled fruits.
· The following items are safe for consumption: carbonated soft drinks or water, boiled water, purified water, hot/thoroughly grilled/boiled foods, processed/packaged foods, cooked vegetables and peeled fruits, bottled water, or dry goods (nuts/dried fruits).
5) Universal Precautions: Rescuing Victims/Recovering Deceased, Handling Human Remains/Contact with Surfaces Contaminated with Blood and Body Fluids
· Despite the chaotic conditions, universal precautions should be used at all times.
· Gloves should be used in case of contact with blood, saliva, semen, or other bodily fluids. Goggles and face masks should be used if the potential exists for contact of fluids via the respiratory route. Finally, protective gowns/garments should be considered if the potential exists for exposure to large amounts of bodily fluid.
· Wash hands after removal of gloves.
· Document all exposures.
6) Trauma/Chemical Exposure
· Since there is a large amount of debris in the work area, there exists a great potential to sustain cuts, puncture wounds, or exposure to chemicals or gasoline.
· Regularly inspect your body for any unknown injuries or rashes to your body. If any injuries are identified, promptly clean the area with soap and clean water. Seek medical care if the injury/rash is serious.
· Document all exposures and injuries.
7) Medical Kits
Constructing a basic personal medical kit is a simple and easy process and can be useful since limited resources are available in the hurricane areas. A kit should include the following, which are available over-the-counter and do not require a prescription, except for personal medications and antibiotics:
· Usual prescription medications (including additional doses)
· Aspirin, Tylenol, or other anti-inflammatory medications
· Throat lozenges
· Decongestants (use with caution in hot & humid environments)
· Antihistamines (use with caution in hot & humid environments)
· Cough suppressants
· Loperamide (Imodium or generic equivalent)
· Antibacterial wipes/towlettes
· Antibiotics for diarrhea
· Sunscreen
· Insect repellent
· Bandages, bandaids, and adhesives
· Tweezers and scissors
· Antacids
· Digital thermometer