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Deerfield paramedic has H1N1

By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer Updated 10:39 AM Thursday, October 15, 2009

A paramedic with Deerfield Twp. Fire Rescue Department has the H1N1 influenza, the township announced Monday, Oct. 12.

The paramedic, who name and gender were not provided, was placed on medical leave last weekend immediately following confirmation, according to Bill Becker, the township’s interim administrator.

Authorities don’t know how the paramedic contracted H1N1, Becker said. “They don’t know if he got it from a squad run or out in the community,” he said.

The paramedic was on sick leave with flu-like symptoms when the test results came in, Becker said.

Fire department personnel are being offered the H1N1 vaccine via the Warren County Health Department, he said.

Earlier this year, the department reviewed and implemented H1N1 virus infection precautions as mandated by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Deerfield Fire Chief Chris Eisele said the health and welfare of the township’s citizens is the fire department’s top priority. “We will continue to implement the safety protocols already in place to ensure that every firefighter, EMT and paramedic who responds to a citizen is free of illness,” Eisele said.

Eisele said the precautions helped to isolate this case and keep the virus from spreading.

To reduce the risk of exposure, the department also worked with public health officials and occupational health personnel to establish systems to monitor workers’ health and ensure the availability of infection control measures and personal protective equipment.

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