I patrol at one of the ski areas that has not yet closed due to Coronavirus. We have a less than a dozen known cases in the entire state, and just three known cases in our county. We primary draw from the local population; we are definitely not a destination resort. Nevertheless, we are still concerned about the potential transmission of coronavirus when treating patients on the mountain.
We are normally dealing with trauma, not medical conditions, so our patients are typically healthy individuals. Nevertheless, I am wondering whether we should ramp up our use of PPE beyond the usual- gloves. I pulled a couple of N-95 masks out of my shop and put them in my pack, but haven't used them yet.
I have to admit that I am fairly cavalier about gloves when I am second on the scene, when there is no blood, and am mostly preparing the toboggan and only ever touching the patient's outerwear to help load them. However, I am having some qualms about this.
What are the practices elsewhere?
We are normally dealing with trauma, not medical conditions, so our patients are typically healthy individuals. Nevertheless, I am wondering whether we should ramp up our use of PPE beyond the usual- gloves. I pulled a couple of N-95 masks out of my shop and put them in my pack, but haven't used them yet.
I have to admit that I am fairly cavalier about gloves when I am second on the scene, when there is no blood, and am mostly preparing the toboggan and only ever touching the patient's outerwear to help load them. However, I am having some qualms about this.
What are the practices elsewhere?