Table 2.

Most Frequent Scores for National EMS Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Elements

Supporting Activities	Most Frequent Score^a
*EMS Planning*
Has the State adopted EMS pandemic influenza plans and operational procedures that define the role of EMS in preparing for, mitigating and responding to pandemic influenza?	1
Has the State established a Statewide program of pre-pandemic training and exercising to prepare EMS personnel for their role in preparing for, mitigating and responding to pandemic influenza?	1
Has the State established a method for developing and distributing pandemic influenza information, including clinical standards, treatment protocols and just-in-time training to local EMS medical directors and EMS agencies?	1
Has the State established methods to integrate best practices or lessons learned during the previous pandemic wave into EMS system operations and to issue an after action report?	1
*The Role of EMS in Influenza Surveillance and Mitigation*
Has the State established procedures for involving EMS agencies in ongoing disease surveillance?	1
Has the State identified procedures for involving EMS providers in pandemic influenza community mitigation strategies, including Targeted Layered Containment?	1
*Maintaining Continuity of EMS Operations*
Does the State have backup plans to augment the local EMS workforce if needed?	1
Does the State have backup plans to address disruptions in the availability of EMS equipment, supplies and services throughout the State?	1
Does the State have an effective, reliable interoperable communications system among EMS, 9-1-1, emergency management, public safety, public health and health care agencies?	3
Is there a Statewide communications plan, including communications equipment and radio frequency plan to support common hospital diversion and bed capacity situational awareness at the local, State and regional level?	1
*Legal Authority*
Has the state established procedures for EMS providers to deviate legally from their established treatment procedures to support mitigation of and response to pandemic influenza and other public health emergencies while still assuring appropriate education, medical oversight and quality assurance?	1
Has the state identified mechanisms to ensure freedom of movement of EMS assets (vehicles, personnel, etc.)?	1
*Clinical Standards and Treatment Protocols*
Is there coordinated Statewide medical oversight of EMS pandemic influenza planning, mitigation and response?	1
Has the State developed mechanisms for rapid development, adoption or modification of prehospital clinical standards and triage/ treatment protocols before or during an influenza pandemic that are based upon the most recent scientific information?	1
Has the State defined consistent, system-wide procedures for the rapid distribution of new or modified prehospital EMS treatment and triage protocols before or during an influenza pandemic?	1
Has the State defined a process for providing just-in-time training for EMS agencies, EMS providers, EMS medical directors and PSAPs?	1
Has the State defined the role of EMS providers in “treating and releasing” patients without transporting them to a healthcare facility?	1
*EMS Workforce Protection*
Has the State identified strategies to assist local EMS agencies with the protection of the EMS and 9-1-1 workforce and their families during an influenza pandemic?	1
Does the State have requirements or recommendations for EMS agencies for basic infection control procedures?	3
Does the State have system-wide processes for providing vaccines and anti-viral medication to EMS personnel?	2
Have State EMS agencies and public health agencies identified mechanisms to address issues associated with isolation and quarantine of EMS personnel?	1
Has the State defined processes to supplement local EMS agencies in offering support services, including mental health services, to EMS personnel and their families during an influenza pandemic?	1

0 = Response missing or documentation does not address activity. 1 = Documentation indicates only intention or beginning of planning for activity, or activity only partially addressed. 2 = State has largely addressed activity, but response is not complete or actionable. 3 = Documentation indicates actionable plan.