Clarification: The guidance in the below infographic only applies to encounters with patients who are specifically concerning for COVID-19 per CDC screening guidelines (fever, cough, shortness of breath PLUS recent travel to a hot spot or recent exposure to a known COVID-19 patient). Remember: We do not currently...
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PPE infographic. Don’t skimp & don’t waste
— Division Chief Kevin Lipscomb, NRP — Regulation & Support Services — Va Beach EMS Department — “EMS Chief 7” (ECH07)
More N95 masks on ambulances
The EMS Department has now distributed 6 N95 masks to each ambulance, and 3 N95 masks to each zone car. The molded masks are packaged in Tupperware containers. The fold-flat masks are in “Health Kits” that have been bundled in Ziploc bags. Example packages: Some ambulances...
COVID-19 safety update
Now is the time to start stretching our “exposure minimization” muscles. To minimize exposure to a communicable disease, you can manage the following factors… DISTANCE between responders and the patient BARRIERS between the responder and the patient TIME SPENT near a patient SUSCEPTIBILITY of the responder to...
COVID-19 safety update — 4 things to know immediately about N95 masks
Now that an interim set of N95 masks are on ambulances and zone cars, you should know four things immediately. This advice is taken from CDC guidelines: WHEN TO USE AN N95 MASK You should wear an N95 mask if you need to be within 3 feet...
COVID-19 safety update
This is a quick hit on topics related to transporting patients who are concerning for Communicable Respiratory Illness (CRI). (Keep in mind, stable CRI patients with no serious underlying conditions may be better served staying home and keeping in touch with their primary care providers and public health...
COVID-19 safety update
REMINDERS Whenever possible, begin your patient assessments from at least 6 feet away. If your patient is coughing, have them wear a surgical mask. Involve a supervisor in any Coronavirus-Like Illness (CLI) case. Call medical control early if you’re thinking about transporting a CLI patient. A destination decision...
Safety update
THE LATEST NEWS Cases of COVID-19 have spread to more countries on all continents except Antarctica. There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. It’s still important to protect yourself from other active communicable diseases, like influenza and the common cold. If you’re sick, stay home!...
Safety update
THE LATEST NEWS The CDC has issued Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for 2019-nCoV in the United States. Based on the CDC’s guidance… · If the dispatcher advises that the Wuhan coronavirus may be a concern,...
“D-MIST” patient turnover reports
Members, Per Deputy Chief Hundley, “In an attempt to improve the communications during your turnover reports at SPAH, the attached format will be used by the nursing staff and physicians when conducting a patient turnover bedside. The attachment discusses the D-MIST report and the SPAH staff will lead...