EHS Working to Ensure Safety of Paramedics, Patients

The state of emergency caused by severe blizzard conditions in Nova Scotia today, Feb. 19, have made it necessary for the Emergency Health Services ambulance system to change regular paramedic response protocols.

Every measure is being implemented to ensure the safety of paramedics and patients while maintaining the best possible patient care for the duration of the storm. The following actions have been taken:

• Medical calls will be prioritized and paramedics will be responding first to patients presenting with life-threatening illness or injury.
• Driving chains have been placed on all system ambulances to contribute to paramedic safety and response to patients.
• Emergency Health Services’ online medical control physicians and communications paramedics will contact patients at home on a priority basis and will provide online medical support over the telephone until paramedics respond safely to their emergency.
• The Emergency Health Services system is working closely with the Department of Transportation and Public Works and other resources to assist in the response and transport of patients.

In the event of a medical emergency remain calm and dial 911. Calls will be processed and individually assessed by the communications paramedics in the Emergency Health Services medical communications centre, supported by online medical control physicians.

Arnold Rovers, chief executive officer for Emergency Health Services Ambulance Operations Management said, "Our full support network is up and running for the duration of this storm. The medical communications staff, online medical control physicians and system supervisors throughout Nova Scotia are all working together to ensure paramedic safety and the best possible patient care in these difficult conditions."