Department of Defense Position on Patient Movement During Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic: Implications for Actions Now
Abstract
To address concerns and issues related to transportation and public health management of contagious individuals in the context of an influenza pandemic, the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC) and the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM) sponsored a one-day, Tri-Service workshop and tabletop exercise entitled "U.S. Military's Management of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) and Beyond." A central focus of workshop presentations and discussions related to current USTRANSCOM policy on movement of highly contagious patients. This policy dictates that patients with known or suspected infection with a highly contagious disease will not be transported within the patient movement system, but rather will be treated "in place" or with minimal transportation to medical authorities. These include infections with any agent that could present a national security threat, require special public health actions, or potentiate public panic and social disruption. The "treat in place" approach may thus entail movement of medical resources to locations of need.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA516027
Entities
People
- Carol Fisher
- Daniel J. Barnett
- Jean L. Otto
- Robert F. DeFraites
- Robert Lipnick
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center