How are Halton Paramedics handling the influx of calls, and the constant change during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Chief of Halton Paramedics, Greg Sage, says that, while recognizing these are early days, Halton Paramedics have not yet seen an increase in calls.
He explains that it’s important for anyone calling 9-1-1 with severe symptoms to answer all the screening questions they are asked by the dispatcher correctly.
If you have travelled out of the country or have severe symptoms, do not worry about Paramedics not responding – they will always respond.
Sage says they have enhanced their screening procedures for when paramedics arrive at the scene.
That includes asking questions regarding travel history and symptoms.
He gives us an idea of what it may look like when they respond to a call.
He says that they have processes in place to monitor the wellness of staff and are following the guidelines that have been issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, as well as Public Health Ontario and the Health Agency of Canada.
Chief Sage says they are reaffirming the message to their staff that they need to be healthy when they report for duty.
Adding that paramedics are aware of this and do not want to be responsible for passing on any illness to a patient.
Finally, Sage encourages residents to take social distancing seriously, follow the recommendations and declarations made by the province and do your part in flattening the curve.
He reiterates that the following measures are critically important to prevent the spread and protect healthcare workers, paramedics and the community’s most vulnerable.
- Staying home as much as you can, especially when sick.
- Washing your hands
- Keeping surfaces and frequently touched objects clean.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with your sleeve
- Keep two metres between you and the next person when you’re outside.
- No non-essential activity.
- No non-essential travel.
- Self-isolating for 14 days if you have traveled out of the country.
