Department of Public Health Provides Update on Ebola to EMS

CDOFHThe following is a message from CT-Department of Public Health:

To all EMS Organizations (including Fire and Police First Responders) and EMS Sponsor Hospitals:

Good afternoon. Attached is a “Detailed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Checklist for Ebola Preparedness” issued by CDC and ASPR as well as a general press release from the Office of Governor Malloy on the issue.

Governor Malloy Briefed on Ebola Situation

As stated in the checklist, its purpose is to “ensure the agency is able to help its personnel detect possible Ebola cases, protect those personnel, and respond appropriately.” Coordination and communication with receiving hospitals will also be an important element of managing any suspected cases of Ebola. Please review this information and consult with your EMS Sponsor Hospital for specific guidance.

EMS Ebola Checklist

Additionally, the CDC has updated their Interim Guidance for EMS and 9-1-1 PSAPs for Management of Patients with Known or Suspected Ebola Virus Disease in the United States. The guidance may be accessed at:

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/interim-guidance-emergency-medical-services-systems-911-public-safety-answering-points-management-patients-known-suspected-united-states.html

Words That Describe Us: Volume 37

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. - Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC.MANCHESTER and HARTFORD — Aetna Ambulance and ASM send Patient and Customer Satisfaction Surveys to a random sampling of patients who have received emergency or STAT inter-facility services from our companies.

The final question in the survey asks “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service?” And, “Please use one word to describe us.”

Some of the answers/responses included:

  • Extremely caring – Persistent in showing Pt the seriousness of problem. EXCELLENT TEAM!!! VERY professional. (14-48664; R. O’Neil, B. Mathiau).
  • Extremely empathetic! Thank you so much! The two responders stayed with me at Hartford Hospital until hospital staff took over. I really appreciate their attentiveness. (14-70886; M. Levasseur, R. Anderson).
  • Professional, kind and caring!
  • Friendly.
  • Professional, caring.
  • Good.
  • Friendly and professional.
  • The EMT staff was professional and caring. (14-73254; M. Carter, R. Mara).
  • Exceptional.
  • Highly capable. (14-72855; M. Karr, S. Jachym).
  • Professional + caring + prompt.
  • Kept me at ease.
  • Professional + caring.
  • Very nice.
  • Beautiful + nice.
  • Caring + professional “lifesavers” (14-72992; V. Maston, N. Raiola).
  •  Excellent service.
  • Awesome!
  • The crew was very professional. Great service. Great job guys, thank you. (14-74790; D. White, S. Norton with East Hartford Fire Department).
  • Professional x 6.
  • Very good care.
  • The paramedic went the extra mile for me…thank him for me please! (14-76531; R. Bilodeau, J. Hornish).
  • The paramedic was great and caring! The paramedic listened to me about what was going on with my baby. She didn’t just look at what my daughter was doing or just what her vitals were showing…she actually cared and made me feel at ease…about what was happening to my baby. (14-74530; S. Allen, D. Tedeschi).
  • Attentive.
  • Professional while being personable to relieve & calm nerves. (14-74091; S. Thompson, R. Fross).
  • Fantastic.