In an effort to guard against the potential spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, Habersham County Emergency Services released new operating guidelines. The rules restrict public access to emergency and fire stations and implement a screening process for anyone seeking emergency medical help.
According to the new guidelines, only essential personnel are now allowed into fire and EMS stations. No visitors are allowed. In addition, walk-in/drive up patients who may be experiencing a medical emergency will be required to return to their vehicle, call 911 and go through the screening process all 911 callers are required to do.
“Once that is completed, station personnel will be alerted to the patient by the 911 Center, which in turn will provide our personnel ample opportunity to don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required and limit any possible exposure to our stations or personnel,” the policy states.
Officials say the steps are necessary to protect the county’s emergency staff and facilities from potential exposure to the coronavirus. “Our personnel are our priority, first, last and always,” says HCES Director Chad Black. “If we can’t provide for their safety, then we can’t assure the help to our citizens in the event of emergencies.”
Habersham EMS also is now limiting ambulance rides to patients only. Family members will not be allowed to ride along with their loved ones except in cases where children are involved, says Black.
Notices about the new guidelines are posted at the entries of each Habersham County Emergency Services station and city fire department.
Black says they’ll continue to modify and update the policy as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. “It is every day, every minute, something changes,” he says. “We’ll continue to modify and update our policies to provide maximum protection and safety to our personnel and citizens.”
