Citizens Ambulance COVID-19 Update

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What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 / 2020 (COVID-19)

The Huron County Health Department issued a statement this morning announcing the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Huron County.

In anticipation of this eventuality, we have adopted operating guidelines to ensure efficient EMS operations during the following weeks. We are closely monitoring guidelines from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health and will continue to work closely with other local health and public safety organizations.

Out of an abundance of caution concerning the health and safety needs of our community and EMS personnel, we have postponed all community relation events, trainings, and nonessential meetings.

If you call 911 for EMS assistance, you may see us wearing masks and goggles or you may be asked to wear a mask. Please do not be alarmed. This is being done as a precaution to limit exposure.

We currently are not allowing additional family members or friends to accompany our patients in the ambulance, with the exception of children. A parent might be able to accompany a child, depending on signs and symptoms, however, may have to sit up front in the cab area and/or be required to wear a mask, pending the crew's decision and patient situation.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in advance. This is a dynamic event and recommendations and guidelines will undoubtedly change over time. We will continue to provide you with updates in the following weeks.

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19?
Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ transmission.html#geographic.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?
Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath

What are severe complications from this virus?
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.

How can I help protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?
If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

Forward

Citizens Ambulance Contact Information

EMS Coordinator / Fiscal Officer
Lucas Palm - LPalm@Citizensambulance.com - 440-839-2144 Opt 3

Communications / Information Technology
Jonathan Shaw - jshaw@Citizensambulance.com - 440-839-2144 Opt 6

Board Secretary/Payroll Officer
Kathy Justy - kjusty@Citizensambulance.com

President, Board of Directors - Townsend Township
Paula Novak - pnovak@Citizensambulance.com

Vice President, Board of Directors - Wakeman Village
Greg Summers - gsummers@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Wakeman Village
Dave Wilson - dwilson@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Wakeman Village
Mike DeLong - mdelong@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Wakeman Township
Jill Eversole Nolan - jnolan@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Wakeman Township
Caleb Buck - CBuck@CitizensAmbulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Wakeman Township
Sherry Seeley - sseeley@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Townsend Township
Steve Novak - snovak@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Florence Township
John Krumwiede - JKrumwiede @Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Florence Township
Skip Halliwell - SHalliwell@Citizensambulance.com

Member, Board of Directors - Florence Township
Lori Betchker - LB etchker@citizensambulance.com