HomeMy WebLinkAboutmemo-aerosol-procedures-2020-03-19
ALAMEDA COUNTY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AGENCY Colleen Chawla, Agency Director
Emergency Medical Services Agency Lauri McFadden, EMS Director
Karl Sporer, MD, Medical Director
1000 San Leandro Blvd., Suite 200 Main (510) 618-2050
San Leandro, CA 94577 Fax (510) 618-2099
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alameda County Hospitals
Alameda County Fire Departments
Falck – Alameda County
Permitted Ambulance Transport Providers
FROM: Alameda County EMS Agency
DATE: March 19, 2020
RE: Aerosol-Generating Procedures – COVID-19
As noted in previous communications, aerosol-generating procedures should be minimized as
much as clinically possible. This includes:
• Administration of Nebulized Medications,
• Use of CPAP,
• Use of Bag Valve Mask, and
• Insertion of Advanced Airways.
If an advanced airway is required, it is suggested that the i-gel® be used preferentially over an
endotracheal tube.
If an aerosol-generating procedure cannot be avoided, EMS personnel treating the patient must
use P-100 preferably or an N95 filtering face piece respirators (FFRs) (commonly known as N95
respirators). The available supply of N95 FFRs and P-100s, if limited, should be prioritized for
these procedures.
In addition, if an aerosol-generating procedure is initiated, the exhaust fan and appropriate
ventilation methods should be employed within the ambulance and any ongoing nebulizer
treatments must be discontinued prior to entering the hospital.