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How new Wake County EMS procedures could help prevent spread of coronavirus
Wake County 911 callers will have a new question to answer. Depending on the answer, this sends an advisory to first responders and an alert to the hospital, who then step up protocol to prevent the spread of disease.
Posted — UpdatedBy Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — A US health official said its not a matter of if, but when the coronavrius will spread in America. In response, North Carolina officials, including agencies in Wake County such as paramedics and schools, have begun preparing for coronavirus.
On Tuesday the director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said, "It's not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness."
Now, people who call 911 will be asked about any recent travel. This will alert first responders about a possible coronavirus threat.
911 operators started asking about travel to mainland China a month ago. Depending on the answer, this sends an advisory to first responders and an alert to the hospital, who then step up protocol to prevent the spread of disease.
First responders may wear a mask or have a patient wear one. They have a solid number of masks ready, but will be monitoring the supply closely.
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