Cabarrus EMS personnel recently received training and guidelines in the administration of flu and smallpox vaccines through a joint venture with the Cabarrus Health Alliance. This training allows the paramedics to participate in a public health response if needed.

EMS is often one of the first medical agencies to respond to critical incidents. Cabarrus EMS paramedics are trained to respond in the event of a terrorist event or pandemic flu outbreak. The training and skills paramedics possess make it possible to expand the normal scope of practice.

Cabarrus EMS paramedics recently vaccinated a large group of Army National Guardsmen at a wellness event. This provided an exercise in pandemic flu response as well as providing a public service to our local military. The vaccines and equipment were supplied through the National Guard with EMS personnel administering the vaccines under the protocol direction of the local EMS Medical Director Dr. Craig Corey and the Cabarrus Health Alliance.

For additional information, contact Alan Thompson at 704-920-2606 or dathompson@cabarruscounty.us.