Ebola outbreak in Pennsylvania remains unlikely, but state is prepared HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Chris Sainato helped lead a hearing today where representatives of state agencies, hospitals and emergency responders assured the House of Representatives Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee that Pennsylvania is prepared in the unlikely event of an Ebola outbreak. Everyone is on top of this – from our state agencies to our hospitals, said Sainato, Democratic chairman of the committee. The likelihood of an outbreak here remains very small, but we are being as proactive as possible. Sainato said he was impressed with the diverse group that testified, including Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Michael Wolf, Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Carrie DeLone and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Glenn Cannon. To be clear, we do not have an Ebola pandemic in Pennsylvania or the United States, Wolfe and DeLone said in joint testimony to the committee. We are being vigilant, but the public should go about their normal daily lives. We are taking every precaution necessary to protect their health and safety. Cannon said PEMA has already been in contact with county 911 centers. He said 911 center employees must know what questions to ask to determine if a caller has Ebola-like symptoms. This will ensure that EMS responders are aware of the potential exposure situation and take appropriate steps to protect their well being, Such information would then also be transmitted to the hospital before the patient arrives. Heather Sharar, executive director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, suggested that the Department of Health use strike teams, or designated regional emergency response teams to treat and transport suspected cases of Ebola, if any are reported. Also testifying were Regional Emergency Preparedness Manager for the Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Chief Executive Officer Betsy M. Snook.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:46:10 +0000
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