A short, concise report of the Flu Pandemic Preparedness Committee.
In the State of Vermont's worst case scenario it would be expected that there could be up to a total of 3,200 deaths across the state connected to the H1N1 Flu. This would not occur all at once but in waves over the flu season. Nothing would change in our local procedures unless these deaths were to occur closer together or in a clump. In that case, where a small hospital or the funeral home may be overwhelmed by the number of bodies, the federal government acting with the Vermont Health Department will offer help, mostly in the area of storage. So our workload could increase by 30% or more and keep in mind that some of these cases of flu could be your employees so you could be facing this increased workload with half of your regular staff out sick. And if your staff consists of only two people... It might be a good idea to re-establish old friendships and co-operatives with nearby funeral homes so that, should you need help, it will be close by.
All hospitals have plans in place for dealing with a flu pandemic. If they are overwhelmed by the number of deaths, the State Department of Health will step in to assist. Nursing Home and home deaths will fall on us to deal with. However should be become overwhelmed, the same assistance would be available. Don't count on your local hospital or the Medical Examiner's Office to provide storage for you. Death by flu or its complications is a natural death so the State Medical Examiner may not be involved. The PROD will be signed by the regular Attending Physician.
We all know how to care for the dead. They are not the problem. Our exposure to the H1N1 virus comes from dealing with family members who may be infected with the virus and not show symptoms or who may have already had the flu. It has been shown to be contagious for up to seven days following the start of symptoms so someone who is starting to feel better could still be contagious. To protect ourselves, our families and the public in general from the spread of this virus we should limit face to face time with the public. Consider doing a preliminary interview with the family over the phone. Place hand sanitizers in your office and throughout the Funeral Home and use them. Talk to your personal physician and see that you get the vaccine when it becomes available. (Funeral Home staff should be considered health care workers) And clean...clean...clean.
Respectfully submitted
Thomas Senecal
