Loyola EMS System COVID-19 Updates

Please continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 on EMS System

Jan. 1, 2021 — All Loyola Medicine facilities (Loyola University Medical Center, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, and MacNeal Hospital) are providing vaccinations to EMS Providers and First Responders. Please contact your EMS Coordinator for information on how to register for a vaccination appointment.

Dec. 14, 2020 — The Loyola EMS System Office will continue to disseminate information as it becomes appropriate to do so.
Please continue to monitor this page for critical updates from the EMS system, as well as system-wide memos that have been distributed below.

Let us know if we can support you any other way possible.

PPE:
Recommendations have changed regarding proper PPE requirements; suspected cases should take droplet precautions (gloves, mask, face shield (if deemed necessary) and GOWN) and confirmed cases should take airborne precautions.

- Surgical Masks: Must be worn by all patients regardless of presentation
- HIGH RISK PROCEDURES: SPECIALS CONSIDERATION MUST BE USED WHEN PERFORMING HIGH RISK PROCEDURES WHICH CAN CAUSE ARESOLIZATION OF RESPITATORY SECRETIONS
  - Providers should consider this an opportunity for high risk exposure and should apply proper PPE (N95 mask or CBRN/SCBA masks, gown, eye protection (face-shield), gloves).
    - Nebulizer treatments (T-piece, blow by, in-line, etc.)
    - Intubation, needle/surgical cricothyrotomy
    - Suctioning of any sort
    - Airway adjuncts: CPAP, supraglottic airways, iGel insertion, use of Bag Valve Mask or Bag Valve ventilations)
    - Intranasal medication administration (Narcan, etc.)
  - N95 Masks: Should be used when necessary AND if properly fit tested.
    N95 Respirators should be re-used if possible. Please note, hospitals will not replace supplies if inappropriately used.
    See March 26, 2020 PPE memo from IDPH (below) regarding the proper re-use of PPE
  - Suspected COVID: Surgical masks to be placed on BOTH the patient and provider.
  - Confirmed COVID: N95 (or CBRN/SCBA masks if necessary) on the provider and a surgical mask on the patient.
  - Gowns: Please make sure providers are implementing GOWNS as part of their PPE for suspected/confirmed COVID cases and patients displaying flu-like symptoms.
  - PPE Exchange: Receiving hospitals should be replacing PPE on a 1:1 basis, additional supplies will not be provided.

Self-Quarantine:
If you feel that you have been exposed, you are not shedding or contagious for 48 hours post exposure. If you have been exposed to a positive patient, you may be asked to self-isolate for a 14 day period. We understand staffing models may need to change.
Taking Care of Yourself:
- IF YOU ARE SICK, PLEASE STAY HOME.
- SELF-CARE: Stay healthy, eat well, stay hydrated, get enough sleep and stay positive!!!
- WASH YOUR HANDS
- If you feel that you have been exposed, you are not shedding (able to transmit the virus) or contagious for 48 hours post exposure. If you have been exposed to a positive patient, you may be asked to self-isolate for a 14 day period. We understand staffing models may need to change.