As we use the ToughBooks in the field don’t forget they, too, need to be cleaned frequently. You may use any non-bleach wet sanitizing wipes to clean the computers. Remember, don’t immerse them in water and avoid using sprays directly onto the devices. If you don’t have a pre-wet...
News
Department-issued bleach spray at hospitals
Beginning tomorrow, the EMS Department will be providing spray bottles of diluted household bleach solution at the following hospitals for EMS use: Virginia Beach General Princess Anne Independence Leigh You may use the solution to clean ambulances and gear after transporting a patient with a communicable disease...
PPE and COVID-19 in Elite
To aid in screening of patients with symptoms related to and/or similarly consistent with COVID-19 we have added a screening worksheet into Elite. Attached is information on this along with info on documenting PPE usage (which was mentioned in previous releases also). COVID-19 and PPE
Elite Documentation Guidance
Here is additional information related to proper documentation for suspected and/or confirmed COVID-19 patients. This information is based on CDC documentation recommendations in an effort to produce the most consistent data across all sources. COVID19_Documentation_03132020
PPE infographic. Don’t skimp & don’t waste
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...
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...