Stn Cdr's Introduction.

RAF VALLEY GUIDELINES FOR MANNING DURING THE H1N1 SWINE FLU PANDEMIC

1. As the current spread of Swine flu continues, the likelihood is that RAF Valley personnel (Military/Civil Servants/Contractors) will at some point become infected. The following simple guide lines have been extrapolated from the vast amount of material that has passed across our desks from HQ Air on H1N1 Swine Flu and are to be followed should personnel become infected with the virus. The major aim is minimising the spread of the virus and so protecting the remaining RAF Valley personnel. Advice from RAF Med services is that being in “close proximity” (within 1 metre for 60 minutes) to an infected person will designate personnel as high risk.

INFECTION OF ONE PERSON ON A UNIT

2. Should a Sqn/Wg have one person fall ill displaying signs of H1N1 Swine Flu, he or she is to be stood down from work immediately and doctor’s advice sought. If H1N1 Swine Flu is confirmed the infected person is to remain at home. On no account should individuals try to “tough it out” and return to work.

MULTIPLE VICTIMS

3. If multiple victims on the same Sqn/Wg unit become ill, it should be considered that the virus is spreading throughout the unit. Medical advice must be sought, in the first place from the SMO and possibly the local NHS Hospital on infection control and preventative medication for un-infected personnel. The underlying principle should be to minimise the spread of any infection. Quarantine is to be put into effect, and must be rigidly observed. Non essential visits are to be cancelled; unwell staff are to remain at home in line with current advice and movement on and off the Sqn/unit must be controlled.

SUMMARY

4. In summary, the likelihood of a member of the RAF Valley personnel becoming ill with H1N1 swine flu is now high and the possibility of this person then infecting his colleagues is therefore also high. Whilst there are anti viral drugs available to treat infected individuals, the first and second line of defence against the spread of the infection, are good hygiene and isolation of infected personnel. Unit Cdr's should initially follow the simple guidelines as above, seeking expert opinion from the SMO. Plans are well advanced on the Stn for dealing with an outbreak. The Stn’s Business Continuity team, lead by Sqn Ldr J. Brown, OC PD & F, in conjunction with our major contractors, is monitoring the situation closely in order to ensure that our collective response is appropriate and timely.

USEFUL LINKS

Advice to visitors
Stop Germs Spreading
FAQ's Answered
Swine Flu Friends

Poster 1
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Poster 4

National Pandemic Flu Service (UK)
Welsh Assembly Government - Health and Social Care> and NHS Direct (Wales)
Government Information
Local Surgeries