What EMS workers wish you knew during Covid-19

No one wants to call for EMS, even during “normal” times, but right now, there are so many extra worries when you or a loved one need medical help. Once you make that difficult decision to get help, what do you need to know?  I asked a friend who is an Emergency Medical Worker what he wished people knew and he took a big sigh, shook his head and said, “so many things.” While he did not want me to use his name (everyone is a little one edge right now, fearful of being reprimanded or fired), he gave me these pointers for what they wished people knew and would do once they had a medical emergency. This is what you need to do to prepare:

1. When you call 9-1-1, let the operator know the medical emergency, like always.
2. Inform them of the person’s age and if they are in a high risk group
3. Let them know if everyone in the house has masks
4. Inform them if the patient or anyone in the house has potentially been exposed to Covid-19 (even if they are asymptomatic) or if you have been isolating.
5. Put on your mask (and make sure all others in the house have masks on).
6. If the patient is not having breathing difficulties, if it is safe, put a mask on the patient.
7. Have everyone other than the patient put on masks, move into a closed room out of the way and close the door. This cuts down on movement, germs, and the potential for infection. EMS workers are exposed often, throughout their days, so this is for your protection.
8. Have the patient’s ID and health card ready.
9. Understand you will NOT be allowed to go to the hospital at all to be with your patient unless they are a minor. This is not the responder’s decision, you cannot go on the ambulance, you cannot show up in your car. They will transport your person to the ER and a hospital worker assigned to the case will be in touch with you. It is important to have the ID and information at your hand before the ambulance arrives. This is one of the biggest issues because people want to go with their loved ones and right now, that is not possible. Please don’t fight it or argue, because this wastes valuable time needed to get treatment for your loved one.
10. Be sure your porch light is on, unlock the door and (like anywhere else) maintain a healthy distance of at least 6 feet (the more the better) when the responders arrive.
11. While every effort will be made to stabilize and treat your loved one at home so they do not have to go to the ER, sometimes it is unavoidable. Your responder will inform you of the situation and (in some circumstances) give you the option of whether to take them in or treat at home.

    Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you or a loved one truly need help. They try to take all of the precautions they can to ensure everyone is safe. Their units go through thorough cleanings. Be respectful of their space, understand that times are different right now and they cannot make any exceptions no matter what the situation is. They will keep you informed.