EMS Companies Frustrated By Protocol Changes, Happy About Health Emergency Declaration

Protocols are changing day-by-day for health care professionals responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS companies, especially in the rural areas are worried about their limited staff and are frustrated with communication from the state agencies. News 9 t

Friday, April 3rd 2020, 5:11 am

By: Ashley Holden

EMS Companies Frustrated By Protocol Changes, Happy About Health Emergency Declaration

Protocols are changing day-by-day for health care professionals responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EMS companies, especially in the rural areas are worried about their limited staff and are frustrated with communication from the state agencies.

News 9 talked to the EMS director for the city of Lindsay, Oklahoma, Anthony Adams.

Adams said first responders were first told to self-quarantine for 14 days if they were exposed to a possible COVID-19 patient. Now the state is advising them to take precautions like wearing a surgical mask and taking their temperature multiple times a day, but remain at work.

"Were at a catch-22," said Adams. Do we send employees home or do we take a risk of more people being infected?"

The state health department said these are the CDC recommendations and they're safe.

Adams said he was happy with the Governor's health emergency declaration.

The declaration allows first responders to be told if they are heading to a home with a positive COVID-19 patient. Adams just wishes it would have happened sooner.

"Its something that needed to happen and should have happened days or weeks ago," said Adams.

He also said he's been considering extra hands just to pad their small staff in case of an outbreak.

Adams said that's something that could happen in a small town with minimal stores the residents all frequently use.

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