Some EDs fell short in H1N1 outbreak.

Experts say the during the spring outbreak of the H1N1 virus, many EDs were unprepared for the volume of patients they received, while others had not taken adequate infection control precautions. It is predicted that the disease will likely surge in the fall. Here are some tips for making sure you are well prepared: Hold meetings with local public health and other emergency planners to make sure you have developed community plans for an outbreak. Develop physical space that will allow appropriate isolation for patients with respiratory infections. Meet with the appropriate members of your ED staff. Use their feedback to assist in developing procedures for use of PPE and to gain cooperation in developing appropriate control measures.