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As the crisp fall air descends upon Louisiana, East Baton Rouge EMS is ramping up its efforts to face one of the most pressing annual public health challenges: flu season. With every flu season presenting its unique set of hurdles, from new viral strains to shifts in public behavior, EBREMS remains committed to ensuring that both the public and its personnel are equipped to handle any potential surges in flu-related emergencies.
Early Preparations
Each year, flu season strains healthcare resources nationwide, and emergency medical services are often on the frontline. For EBREMS, preparation begins long before the first cases start appearing in late fall.
“We start gearing up for flu season by late summer,” says Arien Morgan, public service coordinator of East Baton Rouge EMS. “It’s about being proactive, ensuring our teams are ready for the influx of calls and that our community is educated and prepared to minimize spread.”
Part of this preparation includes ramping up public outreach efforts. By educating residents on the importance of vaccination and how to prevent flu transmission, EBREMS hopes to reduce the number of serious cases requiring emergency care.
Stockpiling Supplies
In addition to public education, EBREMS takes extensive measures to ensure its crews are well- equipped. The flu, much like other viral illnesses, poses a significant risk to first responders who interact with sick individuals.
“As EMS providers, we’re constantly exposed to patients with flu-like symptoms. So, our teams are equipped with the latest personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard them from contracting or spreading the virus,” Morgan explains. “We stockpile everything from N95 masks to hand sanitizers and disinfectants to ensure that our ambulances and personnel remain virus-free.”
Moreover, ambulances are deep cleaned regularly and disinfected after every call. Protocols are reviewed and updated to ensure that all EMS personnel adhere to the strictest sanitation measures.
Keeping Personnel Ready
A healthy workforce is essential for EBREMS, particularly during flu season. To ensure its staff remains on the job and ready to respond, EBREMS has put measures in place to encourage vaccinations for their EMS professionals.
“We offer free flu vaccinations to all of our team members,” Morgan says. “Getting vaccinated not only protects our EMS workers but also helps curb the spread of the flu within the community.
Community Participation
Ultimately, EBREMS emphasizes that the success of its flu season strategy depends on the community’s participation. “We can prepare all we want, but we need the community to take their own steps to prevent the spread,” Morgan says.
The organization encourages residents to get their flu shots, stay home when sick, wash hands regularly and wear masks if they’re feeling unwell—especially around vulnerable populations. EBREMS is committed to protecting public health but reminds citizens that individual actions can make all the difference.
As flu season approaches, the people of East Baton Rouge can rest assured that their emergency medical services team is prepared, vigilant and ready to respond to the challenges ahead. More information can be found online at brla.gov/EMS.
