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 Blog
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,...
Flowchart for Identifying & Assessing possible 2019-nCoV patients
Members, The following flowchart has been adapted for use in our system. The local guidance is in the purple box at the bottom. A PDF version is attached. If you suspect you are transporting a 2019-nCoV patient, choose your destination hospital according to standard protocol. There is...