Via the Star Tribune: If pandemic hits Minnesota, who would be treated first?.
More than 100 experts commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Health have been meeting and working their way through the ethical minefield of issues that boil down to a harsh equation: whose life is most important to preserve and who is less crucial to society?
The panel's answer:
• First, key workers who are at high risk of getting the flu and who are critical to limiting pandemic deaths, protecting overall health and keeping civil order. In the general population, groups such as pregnant women who are at disproportionately high risk of contracting flu.
• Second, key workers whose jobs expose them to flu and a small number of irreplaceable key workers. In the general population, groups at high risk of flu. Higher priority might be given to younger people than older.
• Third, all other key workers, and groups in the general population at moderate risk of flu.
• Fourth, everyone else.On the website of the Minnesota Department of Health, you'll find a news release containing a link to the panel document, where people can post their own comments.
