Updated April 10, 2020
These contents have been adapted from the COVID-19 practice updates and created for your ease of use. They will be updated as new practice guidelines are released. Please refer to the complete guidelines within the linked document(s) for full detail.
We recognize that hospitals and Health Authorities have differing approaches and directives with regards to managing patients during the pandemic. Paramedics are asked to please follow BCEHS procedures whenever possible.
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has published their notification script for paramedics to follow when notifying triage of an incoming patient destined for Vancouver General Hospital. They have also published their procedures for the Red vs Green Zones and workflows at VGH and Lions Gate Hospital.
Clinical Practice Updates (April 10), Vancouver Coastal Health: Pandemic Hospital Procedures (April 10), Vancouver General Hospital: Pandemic Notification Script (April 10)
An evidence-based pathway is currently under development to support paramedics to safely provide care in the home, however, a reminder that until this pathway is available paramedics MUST call CliniCall for cases where a patient is refusing conveyance to hospital.
Clinical Practice Updates (April 6)
BCEHS paramedics should transport all KNOWN COVID patients to the Royal Jubilee Hospital or Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (please follow the same transport direction as covered by the Trauma By-Pass matrix).
Exceptions requiring transport to closest hospital:
unable to maintain a minimum SPO2 of 90% on supplemental oxygen
appear they may require imminent advanced airway intervention
South Island COVID-19 Transport Directive (March 28)
There is no change of practice to the management of these patients, and the current clinical pathways (Hospital Bypass) still apply to patients who may be suspected COVID-19.
Crews are asked to ensure they provide early and clear notification to the receiving centres, and gain direction on how the patients care is to be transitioned.
BCEHS Clinical Practice Update (March 23)
Paramedics are to close the slider window between the cab of the ambulance and the patient compartment during the transport of all patients. Closing this window along with adjusting fans and vents as recommended, will create a positive pressure environment in the cab of the ambulance, reducing the risk of contaminates from entering.
BCEHS Clinical Practice Updates (March 20)
Give hospitals advance notice when transporting a patient that may require advanced airway management to ensure the receiving hospital staff are prepared and can take precautions.