NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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MIDHURST – In the face of COVID-19, County of Simcoe Paramedics continue to answer the call, expanding their vital role in our communities by supporting partners with COVID-19 testing and delivering other vital paramedicine programs. However, paramedics’ core business remains responding to medical calls, and residents are reminded that if they are experiencing a medical emergency, they should always call 9-1-1.
“We appreciate everyone being conscientious of demand on our services, however, we want to reassure residents that our paramedics are ready and able to respond in times of need,” said Andrew Robert, director and chief, Paramedic Services. “If you are experiencing acute medical issues and require an emergency medical response, please don’t be afraid to call 9-1-1 during the pandemic. Our paramedics are taking every precaution, including daily shift screening, enhanced protective equipment and extensive sanitization. We’re doing everything we can to make our response as safe as possible for the patients we help and aid.”
Residents should be assured that paramedics and emergency department staff at regional hospitals have enacted protocols to protect our patients and communities from COVID-19. To keep our patients and paramedics safe, you should be prepared for some basic questions about your individual situation, including your exposure to COVID-19 or COVID-related symptoms when you call 9-1-1. Please answer the questions from dispatchers and paramedics honestly to the best of your ability.
While Paramedic Services is supporting the Health Unit with community testing, paramedics cannot test for COVID-19 through 9-1-1 calls. If you have some mild symptoms and are not sure if you require a test, please follow up with your primary care provider or Public Health.
“As front line health workers, our paramedics have stepped up to maintain critical emergency services and ensure the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Jane Sinclair, general manager of health and emergency services, County of Simcoe. “From testing in our long-term care homes and supporting our shelters and vulnerable residents to providing additional paramedicine home care for residents in need, we thank our paramedics for their continued response and dedication to our communities.”
PPE Donation Campaign
County paramedics continue to operate under additional PPE precautions. The County of Simcoe is working with community partners, including the District of Muskoka, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, on a donation campaign for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and critical supplies. Supplies such as masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection are essential for the provision of safe medical and community care to patients and residents in our region, including Paramedic Services. Any businesses or community members looking to donate items can mail [email protected]. Information about how and where to send donations is available here.
To follow the county’s efforts to support of our communities through the COVID-19 pandemic, like or follow County of Simcoe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to county residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website.
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