COVID-19 Information

Statement from Kyle L. Thornton, EMT-P, M.S. EMS Bureau Chief

Colleagues,

I hope this finds you all doing well and staying healthy. I know it has been too long since we have communicated as a group. The summer flew by, and the autumn has been crazy.

With the surge in the number of COVID 19 cases, I have attached a few documents just to refresh your resources, one being the EMS Bureau COVID Guidance for EMS agencies. Let me know if you need anything in particular. There are a few more documents that I have had requested recently; maybe they will come in handy for you as well.

As you are almost assuredly aware, this year’s influenza vaccine has arrived, and is being administered by some entities; here in the city, most of the pharmacies have advertised that one can go in and get the vaccine, and some of the hospitals have initiated drive thru vaccine opportunities.

The DOH’s Public Health Division, through their regional offices, will soon begin scheduling opportunities for the public to obtain the influenza vaccine. The Public Health Offices may be reaching out for an EMS Unit to provide on-site medical stand-by, as well as seeking licensed EMS caregivers to assist with vaccine administration. Later, similar requests may be made for COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Our scope is very proactive in allowing licensed Basics, EMT-I’s, and Paramedics to participate in vaccine initiatives, so I hope your service and licensed caregivers are participants if you are asked. I have attached a letter that more formally discusses this issue.

Speaking of the flu vaccine – I hope you get vaccinated. It is a good year to not get the flu. And with this recent and significant surge in COVID cases – PLEASE take care of yourself, and do all of those things that help protect you…PPE at work, wearing a mask off duty while in public, washing your hands, and maintaining social distance if you can. Please.

On the national scene, the Federal NHTSA Office of EMS has asked individual EMS agencies to report their PPE status and concerns, and apparently this will be reported back to the state. I know it may seem redundant, as I think many of you have reported shortages through your emergency managers. However, if you would like to participate, the link is included below.

Another national request for your answers on this survey:

A message from Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO):

This survey, taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of state and local EMS agencies’ response to opioid overdoses during this unprecedented time. The increase in social and physical distancing combined with the closures of mental health services has created a unique storm that has resulted in an increase in EMS overdose calls. Understanding how your EMS agency is innovating opioid overdose response and care will help other jurisdictions learn possible new interventions to save lives.

I will likely be scheduling another “Chat with the Chief” online opportunity for sometime in the next couple of weeks. Let me know issues you have questions about that we could talk about.

Please, please stay safe and healthy.

Kyle L. Thornton, EMT-P, M.S.
EMS Bureau Chief
NM DOH ERD

Links for attachments from the March 2020 Update