Parkland Ambulance paramedics will wear personal protective equipment like this when they attend calls. (submitted photo/Parkland Ambulance)

By paNOW Staff

suiting up

Paramedics take extra safety precautions with PPE

May 7, 2020 | 12:28 PM

Paramedics with Parkland Ambulance are taking extra precautions to keep the public and themselves safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The precautions include additional and detailed cleaning procedures within the facilities. Spokesperson Lyle Karasiuk said it also means paramedics will take the extra time to properly don personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes masks, gloves, gowns and protective eye wear.

In a press release, Parkland Ambulance said: “Donning these additional measures takes a few extra minutes. Don’t be surprised when you see our paramedics approaching the scene wearing these additional items. Please don’t be alarmed as these additional safety measures are designed to keep us all safe.”

Going forward, medical communication coordinator centres will advise all callers that those additional steps are being taken by paramedics. Instructions to the caller will tell them not to approach the paramedics and they’ll begin their patient assessment once they are safe.

Karasiuk said they also want to remind everyone who calls for help to be honest about any symptoms they may be experiencing.

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