Ex-cops stand by to beat swine flu pandemic

May 3 2009 by William Green, Sunday Sun

RETIRED cops and special flu "vehicles" could be called into action amid warnings a pandemic may kill more than 3500 people a week if it strikes the region.

Between 600 and 3800 people a week could die in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland at the height of a pandemic, that could strike in several waves.

And more than 20,000 people could contract flu a day at its peak, stretching health services to breaking point.

The stark warnings come in emergency plans covering North authorities which have been outlined to the Sunday Sun.

Experts dealing with the situation have consistently stressed the region is not yet at the pandemic stage, but at the precautionary and preparation phase instead.

However, if the global alert is raised, that work will step up significantly . . . with one case of swine flu already confirmed in Newcastle.

The authorities have warned a pandemic is likely to spread rapidly once cases are identified in the UK and last several months.

Non-emergency health services from operations to community care could be suspended to cope with an expected surge in flu cases.

All leave could be cancelled, with redeployment as necessary on the basis of staff levels.

The North East Ambulance Service would consider the creation of "flu vehicles" to deal with patients with greater likelihood of having pandemic flu.

"The personnel will have significant supplies of personal protective equipment (coveralls, masks, goggles etc).

"Having dedicated vehicles will reduce the possibility of a transfer of the virus to a patient that does not have it yet," according to the plans.

The voluntary British Red Cross and St John Ambulance services could also be called in to help.

And the police may withdraw from "non-essential" work, cancel all leave and consider contracting staff from agencies, retired officers and special constables.