COVID-19: Clinical Practice Summary - April 3rd

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Hosts:

Gord Minaker - PCP-IV, UBC Medical Student

Kaela Richardson - Respiratory Therapist, UBC Medical Student

Date of Episode Release:

April 3, 2020

Episode Description & Summary:

In this episode, we review the clinical practice changes that have occurred this week at BCEHS with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Please see below for a synopsis of this episode.

Please refer to the BCEHS Handbook for the latest guidelines: https://handbook.bcehs.ca

Contacts:

Clinical Questions - clinicalpractice@bcehs.ca

Podcast feedback & suggestions - podcast@bcehs.ca

Podcast Synopsis & Timeline:

1:45 - A reminder to listen to our PPE episode, to reduce COVID exposure amongst other crew members and to plan ahead for your safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

3:36 - A reminder to use your full region, call sign, and reason for phoning when calling CliniCall. 

4:08 - A reminder about no more nebulizers, and to try to use patient MDI's when possible. MDI's are being distributed in a prioritized fashion. We review ways to safely ensure that the patient's MDI is not expired and how to know when an MDI is empty. 

6:48 - A discussion around new oxygen flow rates. https://handbook.bcehs.ca/covid-19/covid-update-march-31/clinical-practice-updates-covid-19-march-31/

8:30 - A review of the airway management updates to date: https://handbook.bcehs.ca/covid-19/covid-update-march-31/pandemic-airway-practice-update-v7/

10:10 - We discuss precautions for adult resuscitation, reminder to call CliniCall / EPOS at 15 minutes or earlier for transport discussion. Identifying reversible causes early and transport of patients with CPR ongoing will only be recommended in exceptional circumstances. We emphasize good communication with receiving ED if this is the case, and how to handle re-arrests en-route to the ED.

14:15 - We discuss where to find all clinical summaries to date with respect to COVD. https://handbook.bcehs.ca/covid-19/covid-19-clinical-practice-dashboard/

15:40 - Transport of COVID-positive patients in Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island. South Island COVID-19 Transport Directive

18:00 - A reminder to reach out to CISM if you experience Moral Distress. Stay tuned for resilience resources and sessions coming soon!

20:20 - Fire First Responders will not be attending covid positive patients. They will only be dispatched to purple calls, red calls where ambulances are expected to be delayed, and for technical rescues. 

21:04 - Skincare with frequent hand washing - use moisturizer! Notify your supervisor and notify the workplace call centre if you think you have dermatitis.