(Facebook/Parkland Ambulance)

By Nigel Maxwell

Emergency response

Parkland Ambulance stepping up safety protocols in wake of COVID-19

Mar 23, 2020 | 1:31 PM

To no one’s surprise, the day-to-day operations at Parkland Ambulance have been impacted by the ongoing concerns around COVID-19.

Social distancing is nearly impossible for paramedics, who respond daily to various calls requiring physical contact.

According to spokesperson Lyle Karasiuk, the safety protocols begin with the inital 9-1-1 call. He explained if the caller suggests symptoms associated with the virus such as fever, muscle aches, or shortness of breath, the dispatcher will ask a series of additional questions.

“This started many weeks ago at all emergency communications centres in the province of Saskatchewan that dispatch ambulance services,” Karasiuk said.

Once on scene, there’s additional pre-screening and in some cases, paramedics may be required to stand a safe two metres away.

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“You might see for example our paramedics step back from the scene to begin some treatment by applying additional masks, gloves, gowns and goggles depending on the situation as it presents to us,” he said.

Karasiuk cautioned none of these measures are anything new, but simply represent a higher degree of preparation based on COVID-19. In the past, masks were provided to any patient with flu-like symptoms.

The precautionary measures are not limited to the calls for service. Around the office staff have been told to respect social distancing, and have also been diligently cleaning counters, door knobs and equipment.

“Not that we don’t do an awesome job of cleaning our vehicles in terms of the outside and the interior, but they have stepped it up a degree adding more disinfectants and more cleaning surfaces on a more frequent basis,” Karasiuk said.

All Parkland Ambulance facilities are closed to the public, which includes training such as CPR courses or car seat clinics. Anyone who has an ambulance bill to pay, is encouraged to do so by mail, online, or can call the main office to make arrangements.

Karasiuk confirmed one staff member is in mandatory self-isolation after returning from vacation outside Canada.

“He and his family are not suffering any symptoms whatsoever,” Karasiuk said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell