Ambulance company targets Ebola

"One ambulance will cover southeastern Massachusetts and the other Rhode Island. The interior of both ambulances is enclosed in plastic, and all compartments are sealed off. The vehicles are outfitted with isolation suits for their crews and any accompanying staff. "

DARTMOUTH – With public concern about Ebola generally on the wane, the possibility of local cases remains a concern for area health professionals. To deal with the event of a case of the disease in the southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island area, Stat/Southcoast EMS has dedicated a pair of ambulances in its fleet to handle Ebola patients.

One ambulance will cover southeastern Massachusetts and the other Rhode Island. The interior of both ambulances is enclosed in plastic, and all compartments are sealed off. The vehicles are outfitted with isolation suits for their crews and any accompanying staff.

In addition, Stat/Southcoast has completed a number of protocols to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the community as a whole. Among the steps taken are:

  • Training dispatchers to ask probing screening questions that will determine the risk of Ebola.
  • Making field supervisors available 24/7.
  • The addition of more than 100 isolation suits and high-risk suits.
  • Training staff to recognize the signs and symptoms of Ebola.
  • Training staff to correctly wear and operate in isolation suits.

    Carol Mansfield, CEO of Stat/Southcoast, said that the seriousness of the disease warrants serious preparations.

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    “While the possibility of Ebola remains low, it is imperative for all of us who have the responsibility of emergency medical response to spare no effort to be ready for any contingency,” Mansfield said.

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