EMS, ambulance services pushed to limit amid COVID surge [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• EMS agencies are feeling the financial pressure from the pandemic, where some might have to stop taking calls.
• The pandemic has not only changed the way people work or interact with one another; it has also affected the way paramedics respond where they treat each call as if it was a COVID-19 case.
• With varying schedules, it is unknown when front-liners will be receiving the first batches of the COVID-19 vaccine.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise once again, the pandemic continues to push front liners to their limits, and stretch hospitals and the health care system. 

In Texas, some EMS providers are feeling the strain on their finances, and it may lead them to close up shop. Those that closed had budget issues stemming from the demand for personal protective equipment with increasing calls which now raises the question “What if there is an emergency and there is no one to respond to it?”

A paramedic and firefighter, Ryan Snow from Dallas Fire and Rescue has been assisting COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic and serving on the front lines. 

According to Snow, “Initially there was obviously a fear factor when responding to COVID calls because there was that unknown factor. Making that transition to pre-COVID to actually working in COVID conditions is very difficult because you are not able to leave work at work.”

The father of two added that the job is taking a mental toll on him and others who continue to do their best to fight the pandemic.

Dallas Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief, Tami Kayea said, “Our overall run volume hasn’t actually changed that dramatically, but the makeup of the calls is where we have seen the differences.”

Standard gear for responding to calls have also changed how each crew manages a call. Tami added, “Originally it was just like wear a mask and when you get there, assess if it is COVID or not, but now, you basically assume everybody is positive for COVID and everyone will need to be wearing a mask, gloves, gowns and goggles every time.”

Dallas Fire and Rescue has requested for their paramedics to be among those given the first batch of the approved coronavirus vaccine. However, one primary concern is that there is no clear timeline as to when those much-needed vaccines will reach paramedics and other front-liners as it can also vary between each state.

Director of Medstar and President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Matt Zavadsky says the rising financial costs to operate is starting to force some EMS agencies to close. He added that nationally they are aware of others who will not be able to keep their doors open.

Source: Fox News