Paramedics To Don Face Masks Against Swine Flu

MEDIA ADVISORY

Paramedics To Don Face Masks Against Swine Flu

Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics are taking the precautionary measure of wearing face masks when attending patient call-outs, beginning tomorrow.

The regional ambulance provider is reassuring the public there is no need to panic if they see paramedics wearing the masks, they are simply ensuring they take all steps to keep staff and the public safe.

To this end, some patients may also be asked to wear masks if there is a risk that they have been exposed to swine flu. Again this is precautionary only – do not be concerned.

Crews attending 111 calls may also have one paramedic assess the patient before the second crew member enters the house.

Paramedics will wear a new mask for each patient.

These measures have come about after consultation with Regional Public Health.

They will also be undertaking a range of other preventative measures such as additional vigilance in using handwashing gels.

How many masks will be gone through in a day? Wellington Free Ambulance is responding to 120 calls per day, on average. Therefore they will use about 1600 per week.

Central Emergency Communications Limited (run from the Wellington Free Ambulance headquarters in Thorndon) are also taking some calls from Healthline which is experiencing a spike in calls due to swine flu.

WFA staff will be briefed about the additional measures during the next two days as they begin their rostered shifts.

Wellington Free Ambulance:

Provides clinical care in accident and medical emergencies, urgent community care and patient transfer services.

Operates a fleet of 22 modern vehicles out of eight bases. Wellington Free Ambulance employs 120 fulltime staff, including 95 paramedics, and is assisted by 40 volunteer ambulance officers.

WFA’s area covers from just north of Waikanae, across the Rimutaka Hill down to Cook Strait.
 
Assists more than 45,000 people a year.
 
ends

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