Resources for High Consequence Pathogens

Vermont EMS has played an active role in combatting high-consequence pathogens like mpox (human monkeypox virus) and COVID-19. Find resources to assist you and your agency during the COVID-19 response. Below are some resources to assist you and your agency during the mpox and COVID-19 responses.

mpox (human monkeypox virus) & EMS INFORMATION

The Vermont Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now refer to the human monkeypox virus as “mpox” following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation. Mpox follows the WHO’s best practices established in 2015 that new disease names should aim to minimize unnecessary negative impacts of names on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare, and avoid causing offense to any cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups.

Mpox—previously referred to as hMPXV— is a viral illness circulating in the United States. The risk to the public is low. Find more information about mpox, including the number of reported cases in Vermont, from CDC.

Learn more about the Health Department's mpox response efforts.

EMS Response & Resources for mpox

EMS providers should be prepared to respond. Please review the documents below on how to prepare and respond.

Vermont Statewide Emergency Medical Services Protocols - High Consequence Pathogen – mpox
EMS Infectious Disease Playbook EMS Infectious Disease Playbook: The information contained in this playbook is intended as a planning resource, and should be incorporated into agency standard operating procedures and reviewed by the EMS medical director. EMS agencies should review the guidelines and their specific circumstances to develop procedures that are ensemble and site appropriate. Appropriate education and training is critical to the success of infection prevention and control protocols.”
The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) published an online guide with actionable information for EMS Providers

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) EMS Response

DEPRIPC19-EMS-Response03292020.mp4

Monoclonal Antibody Administration

Vaccination Clinic Workers - VDH Required Training

We have expanded the scope of practice of currently licensed VT Paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs to include administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines can be administered per the Health Department's Vaccination Guidelines. Prior to administering vaccines, each EMS provider must complete the VTEMS vaccination training and be credentialed by the entity approved to operate a vaccine point of distribution.

Vaccination Administration Training Videos

PLEASE NOTE: These videos are provided here for easy access, but you must complete the training in your Vector account to receive a course completion certificate.

Financial Resources for EMS Agencies

Rapid Response Team For COVID-19 Testing

Absenteeism Effect Survey Results

District COVID-19 Survey Results

SIREN Resources

Protocols for COVID-19 Response

Other COVID-19 Resources