Epidemics and Pandemics

A pandemic outbreak of a disease is an epidemic which occurs worldwide rather than in just one country. In 1918-19 there was a global (pandemic) outbreak of influenza which killed more people than the First World War. Since then there have been two further pandemic outbreaks of influenza which struck millions worldwide. All three pandemics affected about a quarter of the UK's population.

“Most experts believe that it is not a question of whether there will be another severe influenza pandemic, but when.”
(The UK Government’s Chief Medical Officer, 2002)

Influenza pandemics are natural phenomenon that have occurred from time to time for centuries – including three times during the last century. They present a real and daunting challenge to the economic and social wellbeing of any country, as well as a serious risk to the health of its population. Pandemic influenza is one of the most severe natural challenges likely to affect the UK. These inter-pandemic years provide a very important opportunity to develop and strengthen our preparations for the potentially devastating impact of an influenza pandemic” (UK Cabinet Office, 2008)

The pandemic of 1918-19 (also called "Spanish 'Flu") is estimated to have killed about 250,000 people in the UK, and as many as 40 million people worldwide. You may think that times have moved on, and today's medical science would prevent such a toll. However, such pandemics always involve a new strain of a disease for which there are no effective drugs available... they must be produced to combat the new virus.

"Preparatory work will be undertaken which should facilitate development of a suitable vaccine when the need arises, but even routine influenza vaccines take several months to manufacture, and there may be additional technical difficulties in the development of a pandemic vaccine because of the particular properties of the virus. This means that it will take time before vaccine can be produced on a large scale and it may not be available at all for the first wave of a pandemic." (UK Influenza Contingency Plan - 2005)

what are epidemics and pandemics, and from what are we at risk
how do governments and emergency response agencies plan to deal with the situation
immunisation, vaccines and anti-virals and their effectiveness
how can we prepare ourselves in a variety of ways
how can individuals assist in recovery
how can businesses be more resilient
how can businesses help themselves and the community
at what point would the system collapse, and what then?

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Epidemics and Pandemics, Social Unrest, Extreme Weather, Failure of Vital Services, Floods… there are a wide variety of possible emergency situations which might require an understanding of preparedness and what to do should an emergency occur. The Trueways Home and Family Emergency Preparedness Course provides practical and informed training on how to prepare and cope with serious national emergencies. During this intensive two day course you will

- Gain a deeper understanding of the threats which can affect you and your family
- Be introduced to the range of preparations you can make and why they are essential for your family’s welfare, such as medical considerations, food storage, water treatment, security, warmth and light, essential hygiene, Government advice in practice, taking further steps
- Gain hands-on practice of the actual skills necessary to weather an emergency
- Gain the knowledge and skills vital to survive an extended emergency should the situation deteriorate or continue for weeks or months (typical for Pandemics)
- Leave the course confident that you have the best possible chance to cope with emergency or disaster situations, complete with the knowledge and skills to prepare for the worst

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This course is essential training for anyone concerned about their own and their family’s welfare should an emergency strike.

Presented by Trueways Staff who have worked in real life emergencies and disaster relief around the world, the course provides in-depth information and practical skills training which goes beyond the simple advice provided by media and official websites, but allows you to understand that advice and prepare further.