Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced on May 22 that the department was taking steps to “prepare for potential commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for the novel influenza A (H1N1).” Clinical studies are expected to take place over the summer. The actions are necessary, Sebelius said, “to keep Americans safe in the face of a potential pandemic.”
Companies that hold U.S. licenses for flu vaccines were given additional orders to produce a bulk supply of vaccine antigen (the active ingredient in a vaccine that causes the human body’s immune system to develop antibodies that help fight an invading virus) and adjuvant (a substance added to a vaccine, if needed, to improve the immune system’s response and potentially reduce the amount of antigen needed for the body to recognize and fight a virus). The availability of antigen and adjuvant provides maximum flexibility in a future immunization program, if one is recommended, according to Sebelius. The manufacturers will use the funds also to prepare pilot lots of potential vaccine for clinical studies to determine the proper dose for a vaccine, to determine if adjuvants are appropriate, and to ensure that the vaccine is safe and effective.
According to a draft copy of the manuscript (www.eurekalert.org/jrnls/sci) “Antigenic and Genetic Characteristics of Novel A (H1N1) Influenza Virus Circulating in Humans,” a study by R.J. Garten, et al, the new virus is distantly related to its nearest relatives, indicating that its genes have been circulating undetected for an extended period. The findings suggest that future pig populations will need to be closely monitored for emerging influenza viruses.
Garten and colleagues determined that the combination of the 2009 A (H1N1) virus’ eight gene segments isolated in Mexico and the United States had not previously been reported among swine or human influenza viruses. All of the segments originated in avian hosts and then began circulating in pigs at various times in history, from 1918 through to 1998. The sequences for the gene segments did not reveal the signatures of high transmissibility or virulence found in other influenza A viruses, suggesting that sequences not yet known are responsible for the new virus’ ability to replicate and spread in humans.
As of May 26, the World Health Organization reported that 46 countries officially reported 12,954 cases of influenza A (H1N1), including 92 deaths.
The HHS’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the United States, as of May 25, 6,764 cases had occurred in 48 states. Information is updated daily at www.cdc.gov/hiniflu/.
According to a CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Info Service Message dated May 26, the agency said influenza illness, including that associated with the novel influenza A H1N1 virus, was ongoing in the United States. It noted that its May 22 FluView Report showed that influenza activity was decreasing in the United States but that “levels of influenza-like illness are higher than normal for this time of year.” At that time, the CDC HAN said, the majority of influenza viruses isolated in the United States were novel H1N1 viruses and that localized outbreaks were ongoing and it was likely that such outbreaks would continue over the summer. The CDC also expressed uncertainty about how the novel H1N1 virus would affect the upcoming 2009-2010 influenza season.
Line-of-Duty Deaths
May 5. Firefighter Conway M. Johnson, 26, Houston (TX) Fire Department: cause to be determined.
May 10. Captain Frankie P. Nelson, 51, Shreveport (LA) Fire Department: heart attack.
May 22. Firefighter Paul J. Roberts, 54, Beverly (MA) Fire Department: cardiac arrest.
Source: USFA Firefighters Memorial Database
USFA, NIST release reports on wind-driven fires
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in cooperation with the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, the Fire Department of New York, and the Chicago (IL) Fire Department, have evaluated several firefighting tactics under wind-driven conditions. The results are contained in the technical reports Fire Fighting Tactics Under Wind Driven Conditions: Laboratory Experiments and Fire Fighting Tactics Under Wind Driven Fire Conditions: 7-Story Building Experiments, as well as an accompanying instructional DVD set. The materials document and discuss firefighting tactics that were shown to reduce the thermal hazard created by a wind-driven fire. View the reports at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/
research/dsn/dsn_wind_conditions.shtm/; you can also get directions for obtaining the DVD set.
According to the USFA, “The research data resulting from these experiments provide the science to advocate for improved standard operating guidelines for the fire service to enhance firefighter safety, fireground operations, and use of equipment.”
NIOSH to revoke respirators’ approval
The following is a reminder for fire departments and other users of Global Secure Safety Products, Inc. (formerly Cairns Air Inc.) respirators. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advised in its NIOSH RESPIRATOR USER NOTICE dated November 5, 2008, that the manufacturer is no longer producing NIOSH-approved respirators or replacement parts and is not planning to resume production in the future. Global Secure Safety Products Inc. stopped production in April 2008 and has ceased doing business. NIOSH will revoke the approvals of these respirators on December 31, 2009. This means that the respirators in question will no longer be listed as NIOSH-approved respirators, and they may not be used where NIOSH-approved respirators are required regardless of the current state of maintenance.
The following respirators are affected:
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Until December 31, 2009, these respirators will be listed on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) as being obsolete. Consumers can use respirators on the CEL list as long as they can be maintained in original condition. Maintaining the respirator in original condition requires the use of original replacement parts and factory service as specified by the approval holder. Respirators that cannot be properly serviced or maintained are no longer in an approved configuration and cease to be approved. Since the dissolution of Global Secure Safety Products, Inc., there are no authorized service facilities or sources of new parts for these respirators.
Additional information is available from the Technology Evaluation Branch at (412) 386-4000.
USFA: Avoid exposure to carcinogens/toxins
Responding to an analysis by TriData Division/System Planning Corporation relative to firefighter presumptive cancer legislation, U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Acting Administrator Glenn A. Gaines is urging firefighters to continue their vigilance in limiting their exposure to toxins and known carcinogens by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), properly decontaminating PPE and other equipment, and using diesel exhaust-removal strategies in the fire stations. TriData’s objective is to prove or disprove a correlation between firefighting activities and the occurrence of cancer. Gaines describes the study results as “scientifically inconclusive” and says that “more expansive study is in order.” Gaines explained: “It is much too early to abandon presumptive laws and benefits for firefighters who present with cancers. To make such a quantum leap at this point in time may be premature.”
Future research, Gaines adds, “must recognize the myriad dangers faced by firefighters throughout our country, be it asbestos in the older factories of the East, chemical and plating plants in the Midwest, or wildland fires that occur each year throughout the country.” Furthermore, Gaines explains, the methodologies used in the studies should “adequately recognize those firefighters who have already experienced legacy exposures and must include definitive measures of the effectiveness of the improved PPE, decontamination equipment, and diesel exhaust systems placed in service over the past decade.
The USFA, Gaines says, “stands ready and willing to assist with any new research efforts that can positively impact on firefighter safety and wellness in our nation.”
Illinois defeats antisprinkler bill
The Illinois legislature defeated, in March, a measure that would have prevented local communities from adopting or enforcing requirements for home fire sprinklers. Major safety codes now call for installing fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes; however, sprinkler opponents are attempting to prevent the adoption of these codes at the local level.
Teamwork and grassroots coordination among a dedicated group of supporters are credited with having the legislation defeated. The supporters made calls and sent letters to the officials and testified at a committee meeting. The bill was defeated by a 6 to 3 vote in committee.
To help counter the efforts of the sprinkler opponents, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is making available important information regarding the antisprinkler bills and the life-saving effect of sprinklers. Access the information through the Fire Sprinkler Initiative: Bringing Safety Home Web site at www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/.
USFA announces research award winners
The following fire service executives were awarded the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)-National Fire Academy (NFA) 2008 Outstanding Research Awards.
- Executive Development Course: Lt. Donald Waldron, Londonderry (NH) Fire Department, “An Analysis of Red Lights and Siren Use Responding to Emergency Medical Services Incidents” (PDF, 3.6 Mb).
- Leading Community Risk Reduction Course: Fire Chief J. Barry Burnside, City of Clinton (MS) Fire Department, “Determining Fire Hazards When Educators Decorate Their Classroom in Clinton, Mississippi” (PDF, 489 Kb).
- Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management Course: Chief Lee. A. Soptich, Eastside Fire & Rescue Department, Issaquah, WA, “Determining Core Emergency Scene Operational Standards for Eastside Fire & Rescue” (PDF, 533 Kb).
- Executive Leadership Course: Battalion Chief Michael E. Boyle, Orange County (CA) Fire Authority, Irvine, “Firefighter Rehabilitation in the Orange County Fire Authority: Are We Meeting the Need?” (PDF, 404 Kb).
“The range of topics chosen this year for the 2008 Outstanding Research Awards provides an illustrated example of the scope of issues that our senior executives must deal with,” notes NFA Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal.
To obtain a copy of the projects, contact the USFA, Executive Fire Officer Program, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727; or call (800) 238-3358, extension 1639, and leave your request on voice mail. The projects are also available at the USFA Web site, http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/.
USFA releases Topical Series reports
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recently released the following reports:
- Multiple-Fatality Fires in Residential Buildings examines the causes and characteristics of residential multiple-fatality fires that occurred from 2004 to 2006. About 250 fires resulting in two or more civilian fire deaths occur each year in residential buildings and have caused 825 civilian deaths, 200 injuries, and $33 million in property loss, according to the report.
- Medical Facility Fires reports: “An estimated average of 6,400 fires occur each year in medical facilities.” These fires have been responsible for five civilian deaths, 175 civilian injuries, and $34 million in property loss, according to the report.
The reports were developed by the National Fire Data Center, part of the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency USFA’s Topical Fire Report Series. The reports are based on 2004 to 2006 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Download them at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/reports/index.shtm/.
Saline study stopped for traumatic brain injury patients
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has stopped enrollment into a clinical trial testing the effects of highly concentrated (hypertonic) saline solutions on patients with severe traumatic brain injury when given before the patient arrives at the hospital or emergency room. After reviewing data on more than 1,000 participants, the study’s monitoring board and the NHLBI determined that the hypertonic saline solutions were no better than the standard treatment of normal saline and that it is unlikely that continuing to enroll new patients would change the study’s outcome. There were no concerns about safety. Previously enrolled participants who have not yet completed their six month follow-up visits will continue to be monitored according to the study design. NHLBI press releases and other materials are available online at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/.
President’s proposed budget cuts AFG program
The budget proposed by President Barack Obama would cut the funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 from $565 million to $170 million, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano said input from firefighters was a major reason for the funding decrease. She reported in budget hearings before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee in May that fire departments and local governments had indicated that staffing is a more pressing concern than equipment and training. The President has asked Congress to increase FY 2010 funding for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program from $210 million to $420 million.
Another reason for the proposed decrease in AFG funding for FY 2010 Napolitano cited at the budget hearings was the $210 million for fire station construction and remodeling that was included in the FY 2009 economic stimulus legislation.
“Staffing, equipment, and training are all critical needs for the fire service,” says NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg, who adds that the proposed budget will not do enough to address any of these needs.
More than 21,000 fire departments applied for about $3.2 billion in AFG funding last year, compared with just over 1,300 departments that applied for less than $600 million through SAFER, Stittleburg noted. He said the NVFC will continue to work with Congress and the administration to ensure that programs that provide critical assistance to the volunteer fire service will receive adequate support. The NVFC sent a letter to Napolitano expressing concern over the President’s budget request and asked for a meeting to discuss the matter further.
Fugate new FEMA administrator
Craig Fugate was confirmed by Congress as the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in May. He began his emergency services career as a volunteer firefighter and most recently was the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
9/11 declared National Day of Service and Remembrance
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in April, establishes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Although not a federal holiday, the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon will be observed as a day for citizens to voluntarily engage in community service.
The legislation also authorizes the Corporation of National and Community Service, which oversees federal national service programs, to make grants and provide other assistance to community nonprofit and other groups wishing to organize activities on this day. The law goes into effect on October 1. Additional information is at www.nationalservice.gov/about/serveamerica/index.asp/.
PARADE endorses residential fire sprinklers
Attendees at the 5th National Prevention Advocacy Resources and Data Exchange (PARADE) Conference, held in May, unanimously passed resolutions to support the banning of sales of novelty toy-like cigarette lighters and support the installation of fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings and town houses. The U.S. Fire Administration hosted the event, which attracted some 140 fire prevention professionals. Among other fire prevention topics addressed in workshops and seminars were global concepts for residential fire safety, marketing strategies, and lessons learned. Review the resolutions at www.usfa.dhs.gov/parade/.
