COVID-19 INFORMATION
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 9-1-1
This page is intended to provide the community with accurate and factual information about Lower Providence Emergency Medical Service's (LPEMS) response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide links to the most accurate information that we have found.
How are we protecting you
Information Sharing
Management receives regular updates from a variety of sources such as the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center(EOC), The Department of Public Safety (DPS), Department of Health Bureau of EMS, CDC, and Local Emergency Management Officials. This information comes in the form of Situational Reports, Memos, Updates to best practices, and Record verification. This information is passed along through internal communications, posted in our buildings, and verbally communicated at shift changes. Our Management team also participates in regular virtual trainings and meetings with Local, State, and National EMS leaders to keep updated.
Sanitation of Equipment
All equipment that comes in direct contact with any patient is thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning product verified on the "N" List to kill the SARS COV2 (COVID-19) Virus. Sanitizing solution is then used to sanitize the equipment in a spray and dry application. Any patient encounter with a patient proven to have COVID-19, Any Suspect of Possible COVID-19, or any call that results in heavy contamination of the unit crews will Clean all surfaces at the ER with appropriate Cleaner, and use a portable sprayer to spray disinfectant solution on all surfaces and leave dry in accordance with its directions to ensure crews do not get into a contaminated unit while returning from a call, and are available for service sooner with a clean disinfected unit. Note: All units regularly go through disinfecting processes.
Self-Monitoring & Reporting
All crews are required to check their temperature at the beginning of each shift. Crews must also report any any all potential exposures, travel, or symptoms at the beginning of their shift using the self-monitoring tracking tool in our reporting system. Crew members are not to report to work with symptoms, and must re report if anything occurs during a shift, before sanitizing and being sent home from work.
Crew & Patient PPE
Our crews are following the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the usage of NIOSH approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for crews and patients on all patient encounters.
LPEMS crews will always be masked when interacting on an emergency call with you, crews will also be gloved, and will ask you to wear a mask, or provide you one if needed. Crews will upgrade to higher levels of respiratory, eye, and body coverings based on call and treatment nature.
Crews will also use a negative pressure system in the back of the ambulance. This is accomplished by having the A/C or Heat blowing constantly, windows closed, and ventilation fan engaged to completely exchange air in the ambulance, we apologize for the noise.