What to Expect When Firefighters and EMS Visit: New Medical Emergency Protocol in the Age of Coronavirus
By Joel Sellinger
Firefighter and Founder of LifeDoor
Preventing the spread of the Coronavirus is a high priority for Firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) workers. With the number of outbreaks rising and the need for increased prevention measures, here are some of the ways first responders are now responding to emergency calls and what you can expect, should you need their help.
ON-CALL PRECAUTIONS:
1. Limited Contact with Patient: A limited number of responders will make contact with the patient. If possible, all members will remain a minimum of six feet away from the patient. If care is needed, only one member is to make physical contact with the patient.
2. Asking Questions: Crews will ask those nearby and household members questions regarding the condition of the patient, type of illness, recent travel, or any known contact with Coronavirus patients.
3. Working Outside When Possible: First responders will ask patients to come outside of the residence for care, rather than go inside.
4. Opening Windows and Doors If Inside: If first responders need to go inside a residence, they will open all windows and doors to increase fresh air circulation.
5. Ambulance Precautions: Ambulances will be equipped with plastic sheeting separating the driver’s compartment from the patient. Plastic sheeting will also be placed over medical equipment in ambulances.
In Addition:
– Expect temporary triage tents outside hospitals, in order to screen patients before they enter the emergency department.
– Expect longer than normal ER waits because of an increase in volume from Coronavirus concerns.
NEW GEAR PROTOCOLS:
Firefighters and first responders are wearing additional gear, depending on the types of calls they respond to.
1. Nitrile EMS Gloves (for all calls)
Nitrile gloves will be worn to protect first responders in case they have any cuts.
2. Safety Glasses/Goggles:
– Safety glasses are to be worn for regular calls.
– Safety goggles are to be worn for communal living facilities, nursing homes, jails, assisted living facilities, etc.
3. N95 Masks (for respiratory calls, communal living facilities, jails, nursing homes, etc.).
N95 masks are masks that filter out fine particles and help prevent the transmission of viruses. They are specially fitted to firefighters and EMS members and required for these types of emergencies.
4. Masks for Patients (for respiratory calls, communal living facilities, jails, nursing homes, etc.)
Masks will be put onto patients if they’re able to wear one, as soon as possible.
5. For Known or Suspected Coronavirus Cases
For patients known to have or suspected of having the Coronavirus, firefighters will use all of the above gear, plus wear a full gown and disposable booties.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STAYING SAFE:
In addition to the above, here are some daily safety practices you can practice at home and at work:
1. Wash your hands regularly and before eating.
2. Avoid touching your face.
3. Stay home if you’re sick.
4. Avoid handshakes.
5. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
6. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly using a household cleaning spray or wipes containing alcohol.
8. Don’t wear a facemask if you’re well.
9. If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
For additional information about the Coronavirus, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
About the LifeDoor Institute: The LifeDoor Institute is the public safety division of LifeDoor, a firefighter-founded company dedicated to saving lives with awareness, education, and technology. LifeDoor’s products close bedroom doors in the event of a fire, preventing and slowing the spread of fires and deadly smoke, giving firefighters more time to save family members. To learn more, visit www.lifedoor.io
– By Joel Sellinger, Firefighter and Founder of LifeDoor
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Seattle Startup Responds to Coronavirus by Setting Up Virtual Community Support With Real-World Benefits
At a time when many in the Seattle area are turning inward to protect themselves and their families from the spread of Coronavirus, Tacoma resident and entrepreneur Laura Malcolm is turning to her community.
Laura is the founder of Give InKind, a Pacific Northwest startup she created after the loss of her stillborn daughter. Now Laura using her startup’s platform to help other families in need, including those impacted by the Coronavirus.
Many people have loved ones in care facilities and in hospitals, and because life doesn’t stop for them, Give InKind helps people in isolated living situations get the care they need remotely.
Give InKind’s new Coronavirus page is designed to educate people about the spread of the virus as well as connect those in need with everything from groceries to crowdfunding, to seemingly small tasks like caring for a pet.
The page can be found here: http://create.giveinkind.com/coronavirus/
About Give InKind: Give InKind is an intelligent social support platform that helps friends and family coordinate tangible, financial, and emotional support for those who need it. Everyone goes through major life events, and sometimes, we all need a little help. From the birth of a baby, to loss of a family member, to medical crisis and disasters, people need more than just money, lasagna, or “thoughts and prayers.” Everyone’s needs are unique. Give InKind helps coordinate things like dinner drop-offs, walking the dog, picking kids up from school, buying groceries, and watering plants. Give InKind lets givers provide or send specific help when it matters most. To learn more visit: https://www.giveinkind.com
– Give InKind
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EPA Releases List of Disinfectants to Use Against COVID-19
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing. EPA is providing this important information on disinfectant products to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Products appearing on EPA’s list registered disinfectant products have qualified for use against COVID-19 through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program. This program allows product manufacturers to provide EPA with data, even in advance of an outbreak, that shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses than SARS-CoV-2. It also allows additional communications intended to inform the public about the utility of these products against the emerging pathogen in the most expeditious manner.
Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. Consumers using these disinfectants on an enveloped emerging virus should follow the directions for use on the product’s master label, paying close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface (i.e. how long the disinfectant should remain on the surface).
To view the list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit: www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2. Included on the list are certain formulations of Lysol, Clorox, Purell and others.
Background: EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance was developed and finalized in 2016 to allow for a rapid response in the event of an emerging viral pathogen outbreak. It was triggered for the first time ever for SARS-CoV-2 on January 29, 2020. The guidance outlines a voluntary, pre-approval process for making emerging viral pathogens claims. In the event of an outbreak, companies with pre-approved products can make off-label claims (for example in technical literature, non-label-related websites, and social media) for use against the outbreak virus.
– Environmental Protection Agency
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You can also check the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s website for daily updates: https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus
