COVID-19: Jamestown EMS Public Health Recommendations

By | March 14, 2020
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PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY:

COVID-19 VIRUS

Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on the best and most recent information we have to protect the public.

Take everyday actions to protect yourself and those you love

REDUCE RISKS: There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about.

    • Wash Your Hands – Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Cover Your Mouth – Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
    • Avoid This – Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Stay Home – Stay home if you’re sick or if your kids are sick.
    • Clean – Clean surfaces in your home to remove germs especially on frequently touched surfaces (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, cellphones) using regular household products.

HIGH RISK PEOPLE: Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID- 19, including:

    • Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80.
    • People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, or diabetes.
    • Older people with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk.

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

  • Stock up on supplies.
  • Take everyday precautionsto keep space between yourself and others.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay homeas much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

 

Everyone’s daily preventive actions are important in reducing spread to people who may experience more severe illness.

 

BE CALM AND PREPARED:

  • Supplies and Medicines – Have supplies on hand including prescriptions, over the counter medicines and medical supplies to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home
  • Food and Household Items – Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
  • Have a plan for if you get sick- Consult with your health care provider for how they want you to respond when you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Stay in touch with others by phone or email – You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, etc. if you become sick.
  • Online information – Check daily for current information from the Boulder County Health, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Center for Disease Control.

 

WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS AND EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS:

  • Symptoms: Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, CALL YOUR DOCTOR. If you are not sick enough to be hospitalizes, you can recover at home. Follow the CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home. Ill people should wear a mask to protect family members or in any scenario where needed to prevent the spread of germs.

 

  • Emergency Warning Signs: If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. In adults, emergency warning signs include
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face

 

JAMESTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Response Team has been making plans and practicing how we respond to medical calls with possible COVID-19. We only respond to medical emergencies when we receive the 911 tone on our radio pagers. When we respond we will be wearing total personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes gowns, gloves, N-95 masks, and goggles. We will be following the Boulder County protocol for responding. When we respond, we will provide the sick person with a N-95 face mask and ask them to put it on to protect our emergency responders. We will provide the necessary care prior to the arrival of AMR ambulance who will assist with care and transport to a hospital.

–  Written by Colleen Williams, JVFD EMS Chief