Steps to protect our employees and patients from the spread of COVID-19.

 

Boothbay Region Ambulance remains committed to serving our communities throughout this COVID-19 crisis and beyond. In addition to embracing good personal protective equipment practices and consistent cleaning of our medical equipment, Boothbay Ambulance is also taking the following precautions.

 

Summary

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• Our Leadership team is in daily communication to adjust operational needs as new information about the virus is made available.

• We have implemented the guidance from the Maine EMS (MEMS) and Maine CDC with regards to clinical protocols and workforce surveillance.

• We are in daily communication with our hospitals and local nursing homes.

• We are stocked with Personal Protective Equipment and working on securing additional resources.

• We are prepared to increase staffing if necessary.

 

To protect our employees and patients from the spread of COVID-19, the following are in effect until further notice.

 

• Our pre-planning began in mid-January which included training, infection control education and held practice sessions for respirators.

• In addition to electronic messaging, a new COVID-19 bulletin board space has been created at the station. Notices, guidance and company information can be found there.

• All field employees have updated their fit testing for the N95 masks.

• Access to the business office by the general public is not permitted. We are asking that you telephone rather than visit.

• Recruitment of new employees will continue on a case-by-case basis.

• We have implemented, on the recommendation of MEMS, a surveillance tool to track employee health. Essentially, at the beginning of one’s shift, one’s temperature will be recorded. At or near the midpoint of the shift during a down period, a second temperature will be recorded. The presence of any signs/symptoms (new or worsening cough, fever, shortness of breath) will also be recorded and monitored.

• Our manager is monitoring the proposed benefits changes that are part of the proposed legislation.

• If an employee needs to call out, we have created a shortlist of questions that we need to be answered. This is in no way punitive, but we anticipate having to report if employees are out of work and for what reason. This data may be needed to determine eligibility for the benefits being proposed by Congress.

• We have been in contact with other 1st Response agencies regarding MEMS guidance. In cases of respiratory calls that are U21 positive or U21 inconclusive MEMS suggests limiting the number of 1st responders in contact with the patient and if we are close enough, other services may wait for us to initiate patient contact.

• When entering patient homes and/or working with patients for medical care or transport, our employees will use the proper personal protective equipment. Employees will wear fresh protective clothing upon entry to a patient’s home.

• Our employees have been provided with hand sanitizer and are being asked to wash their hands frequently – especially before and after calls.

• Employee uniform changes after calls may be implemented if contact with patients who are U21 positive or U21 inconclusive is initiated.

• We are keeping in touch with the local Nursing Homes and hospitals for any changes in their operations and will continue to issue separate notices on clinical guidance.

• We encourage you to avoid attending large public gatherings, especially indoor events.

• We encourage employees to reconsider any travel plants that would take them out-of-state or being visitors to their homes from away.

• If you are ill, self-isolate. Stay home and contact your health care provider.

 

We encourage everyone to keep themselves abreast of advisories from the US CDC and Maine CDC. Please keep in mind that there are many rumors and inflamed articles floating around the internet. Your best source of information on this topic is the CDC:

 

COVID-19 Prevention Actions (CDC)

Maine CDC COVID Information

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By taking these measures we are doing our part to limit the spread of this illness among our staff, patients and community.