Ladysmith paramedics ‘on the ball’ as they deal with Covid-19
Staff lead by example in helping to flatten the curve by informing and educating the general public regarding the pandemic
Paramedics are on the front-line when it comes to dealing with Covid-19; taking care of patients and transporting them to hospital for further medical treatment.
The Ladysmith Gazette approached ER24 to ask them a few questions about the pandemic and if they have noticed an increase in cases in Ladysmith. According to ER24 paramedics, they have seen a substantial rise in the number of Covid-19 positive patients.
Paramedics and emergency workers are generally on the front-line when it comes to tending to Covid-19 patients. This includes staff responding to various emergencies and manning various testing sites, etc.
These staff members lead by example in helping to flatten the curve by informing and educating the general public regarding the pandemic.
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ER24 has taken a number of measures to facilitate a considered and effective response to the pandemic. These include establishing a central command structure to manage Covid related initiatives and operational concerns, interacting with other private and public services to ensure an immediate response for patients in distress, developing protocols and policies for managing Covid-19 patients, ensuring that paramedics are supplied with sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and training and up-skilling staff on how to use this equipment.
Staff members are well-trained in managing their own infection risk and preventing the transmission of Covid-19.
“ER24 has implemented Covid-19 PPE protocols for all calls we respond to, and we use a ‘buddy system’ for informing your EMS partner when an infection principle may have been breached. We have practiced and discussed infection prevention so much that the fundamentals have become an everyday routine.”
How to call for an ambulance for a Covid-19 patient:
In case of an emergency, take a deep breath and calm down.
Please have the patient’s details on hand when calling to ensure that the incident is referred to the correct emergency unit.
Call the following numbers: 084124 or Government Emergency Medical Services on 10177.
Tell the call taker there is an emergency and you require assistance. Give a brief overview of what type of emergency you are dealing with (someone not breathing or having difficulty breathing, etc).
Mention if the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 or recently recovered from Covid-19. Provide the call taker with your name and contact number. Should the line be dropped, the call taker will need a way to call you back.
Provide the call taker with the exact location of the emergency. Provide a closest cross street or landmark where possible. You can now provide more details on the patient’s current condition or the emergency: Any ongoing medical issues you’re aware of, such as breathing problems or heart issues.
Are they taking any medication? Note any changes in the patient’s condition while you’re on the call. Follow all of the call taker’s instructions carefully.
You may request telephonic first aid. Stay on the line until the call taker ends the call.
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