EMERGENCY MGMT. New Treatment Protocols Implemented Pike County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies have implemented new treatment protocols amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These new protocols were put in place so the EMS providers could better assist the individuals needing help, and stay safer while doing it. Many COVID-19 patients treated by EMS experience respiratory difficulties, and the treatment changes have centered on treating the breathing problems of the patient. On the Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances’ they will now be providing meter dosed inhalers rather than using a nebulizer. With this change, came creating a new makeshift nebulizer spacer that was designed by Montgomery County Hospital District EMS in Texas and applied here in Pike County.
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Kyle Wright, Captain of Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) and Incident Commander of the COVI9-19 response stated, “These spacers will allow for the providers to administer Albuterol Sulfate to patients in respiratory distress without fear of any aerosolization of the virus.” Albuterol Sulfate is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent bronchospasms. Wright has made these spacers available to other EMS agencies in the tri-state area and has already distributed many. At the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level of EMS, DTVAC paramedics, under the guidance of Medical Director, Dr. John McCarthy, can now administer subcutaneous injections of Terbutaline to patents who are expressing respiratory distress. Wright said, Terbutaline is a drug that was used a long time ago before albuterol became the front-line medication for bronchospasm. It is exceptionally safe and effective and can help significantly improve the patient’s respiratory symptoms” DTVAC provides ALS service on an as-needed basis to and the townships of Dingman, Delaware, Milford, Shohola, Blooming Groove, and Milford Borough. During this Public Health Emergency, EMS agencies encourage the public not to hesitate to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. There has been a drastic statewide decrease in 9-1-1 calls for help requiring EMS. Waiting to call for help can sometimes be a matter of life or death when dealings with Strokes, Heart Problems, etc. Wilfredo Crespo, Supervisor of Hemlock Farms EMS, said, our crews are working around the clock during this emergency, and we are ready to respond to any and all medical emergencies you may be experiencing. Our providers are taking extra steps to ensure patient safety, and we urge the general public to call 911 if they are experiencing a medical emergency during this time”.
Auditor General’s Tipline................................ 1-800-922-8477 Cancer Hotline..................................................... 1-800-422-6237 Child Abuse Hotline........................................... 1-800-932-0313 Consumer Protection Bureau....................... 1-800-441-2555 DEP............................................................................1-800-541-2050 Elder Abuse Hotline.........................................1-800-490-8505 Ethics Commission............................................1-800-932-0936 Health Line.............................................................1-800-724-3258 Inspector General..............................................1-800-932-0935 Insurance.................................................................. 1-877-881-6388 LIHEAP.....................................................................1-800-692-7462 LCB........................................................................... 1-800-932-0602 Military and Veterans Affairs....................... 1-800-645-8924 Mortgage Assistance........................................1-800-342-2397 PACE / PACENET............................................... 1-800-225-7223 PennDOT - Motor Vehicles........................... 1-800-932-4600 PennDOT - Potholes......................................... 1-800-349-7623 PennDOT - Road/Weather Cond................. 1-800-331-3414 PHEAA.....................................................................1-800-682-7392 Property Tax/Rent Rebate............................. 1-800-222-9190 PUC...........................................................................1-800-692-7380 Revenue...................................................................1-800-728-2937 State......................................................................... 1-888-659-9962 Turnpike Commission......................................... 1-800-331-3414 Unemployment Compensation...................1-888-334-4046 Welfare Assistance.............................................1-800-692-7462 Welfare Fraud......................................................1-800-932-0582 Worker’s Compensation................................. 1-800-428-2383
FEDERAL Senator Bob Casey............................................1-866-802-2833 Senator Pat Toomey.............................................1-855-552-1831 IRS............................................................................... 1-800-382-1274 Medicare.................................................................1-800-829-1040 Social Security.........................................................1-800-772-1213
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Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a non-profit organization that provides basic life support (BLS) service to Delaware Township. The Corps also provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) service to Delaware Township and surrounding areas. We are always looking for volunteers! If you are someone you know is interested in volunteering please call us at (570)-8282345. Any press inquires should be directed to cwill@dtvac.org.
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LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2020
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