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First-responders are needed in a pandemic, but not all may want to work, a study finds

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First-responders--firefighters, public health workers--know that when emergencies strike, they’ll be on the scene. But those on the front lines are also human, and a new study points out that not all are willing to go to work in the event of a severe pandemic.

The study, conducted by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, surveyed 1,103 essential workers in Nassau County, New York (some of whom were involved with the attack on the World Trade Center). They included hospital workers, police, fire and emergency medical personnel, public health workers and correctional facility officers. Participants, who were anonymous, were asked about their ability and willingness to work during a pandemic, and what would prevent or make it easier for them to do their jobs. Other questions included whether they thought their employer was prepared to handle such an emergency, and if that employer was concerned about safety and protection.

Among the participants, 80% said they would be available to work during a serious disease outbreak, but 65% were willing to do so. Combined, just under half of the study subjects said they would be both able and willing to work.

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One-fourth said they would be able to work their regular shift, while 30% said they’d work an extended shift, and 25% said they’d work for the entire pandemic episode. But 20% said they wouldn’t be available to work any shift, including their regular shift.

When asked about willingness to work various shifts, 35% said they wouldn’t be willing to work any shift. And 12% of participants said they’d rather quit or retire early than report for duty.

Ability to work during a pandemic was associated with personal responsibilities such as caring for children, pets or sick family members.

Several issues were linked with being willing to work during a pandemic, including planning to get a flu shot, having a spouse or partner who was also an essential worker, intending to wear respiratory protection, and having prior experience in disaster response.

The study suggested that employers might see more workers during a disease outbreak by using simple plans such as making vaccines and other medicines available to workers and their families, addressing workers’ family obligations, and disciplining employees for not showing up.

The study appears in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

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--Jeannine Stein / Los Angeles Times

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