Preparing for the worst : National Ambulance and the 2014 Ebola Virus epidemic

Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. It is a type of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF). The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the largest the world has ever seen, and the first Ebola epidemic in history. As of April 15th 2015, there have been a total of 25,826 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases, with 10,704 deaths (41% mortality rate).1 National Ambulance Response: National Ambulance LLC implemented a variety of procedural, educational and engineering controls designed to protect clinical staff from harm and provide safer patient care. This included the provision of a high-risk personal protective equipment (PPE) training programme, a trained observer programme, and increased PPE supply to clinical staff. National Ambulance staff also began screening of passengers on West African flights in Abu Dhabi International Airport in November 2014 to identify potentially infected persons. Key point: Conformance with Centre for Disease Control recommendations regarding personal protective equipment, screening of potentially infected patients and management of suspected cases of EVD was a key component in National Ambulance’s response to the threat posed by the epidemic. Conclusion: The current outbreak of EVD in West Africa has challenged many healthcare systems, including ambulance services, across the globe. No case of Ebola has been detected in the United Arab Emirates to date. Through a process of continuous updating, meeting international best practice recommendations and education delivery, National Ambulance staff are prepared to deal safely and effectively with patients presenting References: 1. Centre for Disease Control (2015) 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa - Case Counts. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/case-counts.html