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<p>Good Morning,<br>
<br>
To elaborate on the Chief's email, the advisory from MA DPH regarding PPE includes all long term facilities. This should include all group homes or similar facilities. PPE for calls in these facilities should include the use of N95/Gloves/Gown/Eye Protection for the provider and Surgical Mask for the patient. Our response guidelines will be updated to reflect these recommendations. <br>
<br>
Attached is an emergency update from DPH to STP 7.3 regarding the verification of DNR/MOLST forms. This update allows for patients and patient guardians to provide verbal consent to Physicians to enact a DNR/MOLST form when regular means of obtaining a signature is impossible. An official DNR/MOLST form with documentation of verbal consent must still be presented. This emergency update is valid only during the declared state of emergency. <br>
<br>
Also attached is emergency waiver from DPH for L&D patients, who during the state of emergency, may at the discretion of the receiving hospital be transported directly to a Labor and Delivery unit without the need to be evaluated in the ED first. <br>
<br>
I anticipate some emergency changes to the cessation/withholding of resuscitation protocols in the coming days. I will keep you abreast to these changes as I receive them. For now, please continue to use due-diligence when responding to cardiac arrests, providing a detailed primary assessment to determine the need to begin resuscitative efforts, and to minimize the risk of exposure spread by using the current cessation of resuscitation protocol (termination with med control after 20 minutes of efforts for Asystole/PEA). <br>
<br>
Lastly, please remember the importance of removing soiled PPE from all scenes and disposing of it properly. Please encourage other responding agencies to do the same. <br>
<br>
I appreciate everyone's continued dedication and ability to adapt to a very fluid situation. I am always available by phone if you have questions or concerns during a call -- please dont hesitate to reach out.<br>
<br>
Stay safe,<br>
Ethan</p>
<p><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Quoting Russ Hall <<a href="mailto:rhall@holdenma.gov">rhall@holdenma.gov</a>>:</p>
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<p>All:<br>
<br>
Attached is an update from MA DPH regarding PPE when entering nursing homes. Per their guidelines, EMS providers should assume that any patient called for is a positive COVID-19 case. All members should be donning full PPE protection prior to entering the facility.<br>
<br>
Thanks:<br>
<br>
Russ<br>
<br>
--<br>
Russ Hall<br>
Fire Chief/EMD<br>
Holden Fire Dept.<br>
1370 Main Street<br>
Holden, MA 01520508-210-5650</p>
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