[kcimt_mag] Re: Guidance Requested
- From: "Monte Keady" <MKeady@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <kcimt_mag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:56:04 -0800
Message Sent on Behalf of Gail Shibley, state ESF 8 Incident Manager
Dear Colleagues,
I want to share with you an important addition to our agreed-upon communication
and outreach efforts.
First, as you know, Department of Human Services has established an Influenza
Hotline (800) 978-3040, to serve as a one-stop information call line (for both
seasonal and H1N1) for the general public, health care providers, and labs. The
hotline began taking calls on September 15. Current hours are 8 AM-6 PM, Monday
through Friday.
Information provided includes vaccination locations and answers to general
questions about the vaccine and H1N1 and seasonal Flu.
Calls from clinicians and labs are routed to health care professionals and will
be supported by medical consultants on an as needed basis.
What's New:
Within the next few days we will be expanding the services provided by
establishing a nurse triage hotline for persons with influenza like symptoms or
who were exposed. There will still be one phone number; central call takers
will act as "gatekeepers" to the triage line. The outcomes of the triage line
will include: advice on home care, recommendation to seek care from their
regular provider, or a referral to a provider, or (if appropriate) referral to
the ER. One of the primary goals of this service is to divert patients away
from the ER or other providers if self care is the most appropriate course of
treatment.
As a result, it is possible some callers may be referred to local safety net
clinics. We request that, as you continue to work with the providers in your
community, you prepare them for this possible increase in request for services,
and remind them of the role that local and state emergency management agencies
can play in assisting communities to meet emergency medical service needs.
Key Messages:
The hotline includes a number of services: medical advice and outpatient
referral, vaccine and virus information, and vaccine locations;
Anyone experiencing ILI symptoms or concerned about exposure is encouraged to
call the hotline;
There is ONE phone number for the hotline: 1-800-978-3040;
There is no charge to make the call - the services are free;
Sick callers will be transferred to a nurse to discuss symptoms and treatment -
possible outcomes of the call include home care advice or recommendation to
contact their regular provider or referral to a clinic.
Health care providers can also receive free medical consultation on H1N1 as
needed through the hotline.
Call volume:
Call volume spiked to over a thousand calls early the week of October 26 and
has leveled out to around 800 calls/day average. "Total" indicates number of
calls to the hotline, while "Taken" refers to the number of calls taken by
calltakers (some callers receive the information they need from a recorded
message at the beginning of the call)."Seasonal" refers to the number of calls
taken (of the total calls) asking seasonal flu questions.
Thank you for your continuing leadership and partnership in response to this
pandemic.
Gail Shibley
ESF 8 Incident Manager
Monte B Keady
Division Chief - Training/EMS
Klamath County Fire District No. 1
143 N Broad Street,
Klamath Falls OR 97601
541.885.2059 ext.109
From: kcimt_mag-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:kcimt_mag-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Monte Keady
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:55 AM
To: kcimt_mag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [kcimt_mag] Re: Guidance Requested
There is a new addition to the state H1N1 Hotline they will be providing some
limited triage over the phone. That may be a good place to refer people who
have questions without getting to detailed?
Monte B Keady
Division Chief - Training/EMS
Klamath County Fire District No. 1
143 N Broad Street,
Klamath Falls OR 97601
541.885.2059 ext.109
From: kcimt_mag-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:kcimt_mag-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of wendywarren@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 2:33 PM
To: kcimt_mag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; kcimt_mag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [kcimt_mag] Re: Guidance Requested
I think it is good. Do we need to reinforce the when to seek medical attention?
Wendy
-----Original Message-----
From: Monte Keady
Sent: Nov 9, 2009 12:55 PM
To: kcimt_mag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [kcimt_mag] Guidance Requested
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