Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services has been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
At this time it is the recommendation of the Putnam County Office of Public Safety, under the guidance of the CDC, that personnel wear a paper surgical mask when treating any suspected cases of S-OIV. A mask shall also be placed on the patient.
Suspect cases will present with fever plus one of the following: nasal congestion, sore throat or cough.
A supply of surgical masks have been placed in each EMS unit, Medic 300 and Unit 301 vehicles and all non-emergency transportation vehicles for your protection.
At the time of a confirmed case in our area, the use of a paper surgical mask will be replaced with the use of a disposable N95 respirator.
To review the complete CDC guidance document, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_ems.htm
The Putnam County Office of Public Safety, under the direction of Steven J. Odenweller, is an organization established to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from major threats to lives and property. Through coordination, planning, exercises and proper training, the Office of Public Safety can enhance the day-to-day emergency response capabilities of emergency medical services, heavy rescue and hazardous meterials teams within the county to be prepared for a large-scale disaster. 
