Pandemics are a team sport – Understanding the vital role of EMS in public health emergencies 

Raphael M. Barishansky DrPH(c) appears at the 4th Annual EMS Leadership Summit.

Since his start as an EMT he has never lost his connection to, or passion for, EMS even as he rose the ranks of public health to become Deputy Secretary for Health Preparedness and Community Protection at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, a role he recently left after several years to serve as an EMS and Public Health Consultant

In this session Raphael Barishansky examines how EMS personnel can prepare for a pandemic, detailing different measures to be taken before and during an outbreak, such as planning with public health organizations and providing adequate resources for staff safety. He emphasizes the importance of regular communication between agencies and strengthening relationships with local organizations in order to ensure a smooth and timely response. Furthermore, the information discusses leveraging resources like the strategic national stockpile, planning for absences caused by illness, and providing guidance and support to medical personnel both pre- and post-pandemic.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are at the forefront of pandemic response and must remain prepared and vigilant during and after a completely unprecedented pandemic situation. According to US health and Human Services plan issued in 2005, agencies must plan a pandemic as effectively as for a terrorist attack and EMS workers have an obligatory responsibility to report outbreaks. Government agencies should provide funding for public health and use of the national stockpile to combat an outbreak, while also remembering to adjust staffing patterns.

In order to ensure preparedness, a pandemic influenza plan should be developed with consultation from public health, emergency management, and local governments. EMS providers must assess, restock and re-educate their team on the differences between seasonal flu and pandemic influenza, and understand the use of PPE for protection. As advocates and innovators, agencies should focus on system readiness and invest time in effective communication and a single provider's ready-time bout should be regularly monitored. It is important to consider everyone in the chain that helps in battle-ready preparation, and utilize all resources to bulk up staffing, PPE and supplies to ensure all players are ready.

1. Pandemics Are A Team Sport: Recognizing the Vital Role of EMS in Public Health Emergencies (00:00 - 06:10)
2. Lessons Learned From Recent Pandemics: Understanding the Role of Public Health, EMS, and PPE Use (06:10 - 12:03)
3. Expanding E M S Capabilities and Capacity During Covid, H1N1 and Ebola (12:03 - 18:08)
4. Planning for Pandemics: Understanding EMS System Threats and Preparedness. (18:12 - 24:15)
5. Preparing for Pandemics: Strategies for EMS Enhanced Operations and Response (24:15 - 30:15)
6. The Importance of E M S Preparedness During Pandemics (30:15 - 36:20)
7. Never Have a Slow Day: Preparing for Public Health Emergencies, Internal and External Communication, and Strengthening Relationships Between Emergency Response Departments (36:20 - 41:57)
8. Advocating, Innovating, and Inspiring EMS Readiness Amidst the Pandemic (41:57 - 47:05)