Parkland ambulance and other paramedic services across Saskatchewan have protocols in place to contend with potential coronavirus cases. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Public health

Screening for coronavirus part of local paramedics’ day

Feb 3, 2020 | 2:58 PM

Unlike past winters, this year those calling 911 for flu-like symptoms will be asked additional questions as dispatchers screen for the new coronavirus.

The new protocol came into effect across Saskatchewan last Tuesday.

While public health officials maintain the virus poses a low risk in Canada, Parkland Ambulance Director of Public Affairs Lyle Karasiuk said the additional measures are being taken to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers.

“If you give indications that you have a fever, shortness of breath, a cough, and you’ve been to a country where there is an outbreak of the novel coronavirus — that being China — or you’ve been in contact with someone who has, we will respond appropriately,” Karasiuk said.

He explained paramedics will take precautions similar to those used when responding to any call where someone has cold or flu-like symptoms.

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“You’re going to be given a mask to put on, which is normal procedures for anybody who has a cough,” he said. “You might just see [the paramedics] wearing a gown, that would be the only thing that would be different than their normal personal protective equipment which is gloves, masks and eye protection.”

There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Saskatchewan.

Five people have been tested for the illness in the province. Three tests came back with negative results and public health officials are waiting for the results of the other two tests.

“Obviously in the health system we are watching it very closely,” the province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab said at a press conference on Wednesday. “But if you are a person on the street and you have not travelled [to China] you should not be concerned.”

Karasiuk said the public’s best defences against the coronavirus are the same as measures used to combat cold and flu.

“We just need to make sure that people use adequate precautions,” he said. “Cover your cough, wash your hands, hand sanitizer, stay home if you’re sick.”

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom