FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)-MedStar is taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of the China-liked Coronavirus.
Matt Zavadsky with MedStar said dispatch will do additional on-scene patient screenings for any patient with respiratory issues, fevers or have symptoms of the virus. “During the screenings we will ask their travel history, trying to figure out if they’ve been to an area of the world that has a high index of potential Coronavirus but also asking if they’ve been in close contact with someone who has either has a confirmed case of Coronavirus or is being tracked under suspicion,” said Zavadsky.
MedStar is also making special ambulance preparations by packaging personal protection kits including high efficiency face masks with splash guards, gowns, hoods and gloves.
“By doing those additional screenings the dispatchers can inform the responding personnel to put on extra protective equipment while the dispatchers can begin to isolate the patient,” he said. MedStar will also be placing surgical masks on patients with respiratory illnesses to help prevent droplet contamination.
Zavadsky says similar to the flu prevention precautions, he reminds everyone to cover your hand or nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home if your sick and wash your hands frequently.
