IMPORTANT NEW CHANGE IN QUARANTINE POLICY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

 

Beginning today Friday March 27, 2020, if a member of our workforce is exposed to a COVID-19 Patient (Low, Medium or High-risk exposure) you will no longer be quarantined for eight to fourteen days.

 

Quarantine for asymptomatic personnel based solely on exposure to a sick patient or sick co-worker is not sustainable. 

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In accordance with State of California Executive Order N-27-20 and under the guidance from SD County Public Health, we will be aligning ourselves with the following best practices throughout the state. These practices are in alignment with SDFD and other health agencies trying to maintain service and staffing levels.

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The good news is to date, of the (15) employees that have been placed in quarantine for exposure to COVID-19 patients, none have converted positive.

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OUR PPE IS WORKING, BUT BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU TOUCH WITHOUT IT

 

Anecdotally, the proper use of PPE, is working well to protect our employees from contracting the infection. This has been noted by the CDC (Centers for disease Control) and DPH (Department of Public Health).

 

My concern is the distance you are from others and what you touch around the ambulance and station without your PPE, so please be careful.

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IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO CIVID-19 PATIENTS YOU WILL REMAIN AT WORK

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Those employees that are exposed, will continue to work as long as they are asymptomatic and self-monitor themselves twice a day for symptomatology of COVID-19 Virus (fever, cough, sore-throat, fatigue, etc..).

 

Assume those you interact with have COVID-19; Assume you have it and act accordingly,

• Maintain your social 6’ distancing

• Out of courtesy, consider wearing a surgical mask when you are working around others

• Do NOT touch your face

• Wash your hands and clean the surfaces around your ambulance (front and back) often!

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Use extra care with your families. Keep your social circle small (limit the number of people you socialize with).

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**IMPORTANT**: If you are exposed to a COVID-19 Patient, contact the AMR DICO, Don Sullivan and report your exposure and any special needs you have (family concerns, special medication needs, etc..) so he can work with you on special accommodations.

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IF YOU BECOME SICK OR HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMATOLOGY (EITHER ON DUTY OR OFF DUTY)

 

If you become sick, stay home, contact your supervisor, so your shifts can be covered and advise when calling in of your possible COVID-19 symptoms, so they can track how many employees have been affected.

 

Also contact Don Sullivan (AMR SD DICO) 619-481-0713.

 

**IMPORTANT** When you contact Don Sullivan, Please include the following,

• Tell him the number of possible COVID-19 patients you have run on in the last (14) fourteen days.

• Advise him of your symptoms

• Be guided by his direction, he will put you in touch with the AMR Nurse Navigator to monitor your symptoms.

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ISOLATION ACCOMMODATIONS AS NEEDED ON A CASE BY CASE BASES

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Work Comp time off is available for those affected and if you need protective measures such as optional lodging, that can be arranged on a case by case basis, for those in isolation who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptomatology.

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If you have high risk family members or unique situations, please advise Don or his team when you talk to them.

 

If you have any issues or questions, please feel free to contact myself or a member of the board and we will help

guide you through this process as we have others.

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WE HAVE SINCERE CHALLENGES FACING OUR WORKFORCE

 

The CDC models and experiences of other states and cities like ours around the country are very sobering. Myself and many others believe we are experiencing the lull before the storm, and the next 14-21 days are going to provide some sincere challenges for the many members of our workforce.

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Do know that we are going to get through this crisis. We need to work together, respect and support each other and our families, while we continue to maintain the highest quality and standard of care to our patients.

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SDAPP, AMR and the City of San Diego are committed to providing this workforce with the support you need to see this through the other side.

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VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHANGES BY CITY OF SAN DIEGO FIRE CHIEF AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR

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The City of San Diego Fire Chief has released a Video with the Medical Director and members of the various labor Unions of the city, addressing these changes. Please take a moment to review this video.

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PLEASE EVERYONE WATCH THE VIDEO!

 

City of San Diego Fire Chief Update 3-25-2020 Regarding change in Quarantine Policy CLICK HERE

 

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STAY VIGILANT, PROFESSIONAL, SAFE AND PREPARED

 

On behalf of the board, we thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment to safety and quality care. Please keep your head on a swivel and take necessary appropriate precautions and as always....Stay Safe!

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