New PPE Guidance

With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the county and region we have updated our PPE recommendations for EMS providers.  We want to assure providers that this is not being done due to any exposure or incident with our providers. Our guidelines from the beginning have held up, kept our providers from getting infected, and are still inline with CDC recommendations.
That being said, out of an abundance of caution we are increasing some of our PPE recommendations due to the high community transmission rate we are seeing to further protect our providers.  In recent discussions with many of you, it appears many agencies are already utilizing an approach similar to these changes.  These are also similar to what our hospitals are employing.
Attached is the updated guidance. There are a few changes I would like to highlight.    

• All providers should continue to wear a surgical mask, eye protection, and gloves for all routine calls
• All patents should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 regardless of call nature.  The symptoms list and risk factors have been expanded and updated according to current CDC facility screening questions.
• If a patient screens positive by answering “YES” to any screening question, then they should be considered a possible infectious disease (PIDS) case.  
  • Providers should then don an N95 instead of just a surgical mask.  (Even if no aerosol procedures).
  • Face shields are recommended over safety goggles in this instance.
  • For aerosol generating procedures, wearing of a gown should be added to the above PPE.

Please let us know if you have any questions.
Dr. Faulk & Dr. Walters
Brian M. Walters, D.O., FACEP, FAAEM
County Physician
​Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services
Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office