Coronavirus protocol reviewed by directors

By Melinda L. Lucas

Coronavirus protocol for both the health clinic and the ambulance service was reviewed during a regular meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s directors on Monday, March 16.

Also during the meeting, the board approved a request by local EMT Colby Herron for tuition assistance as he pursues his training to become a paramedic.

The funding will be formally provided after new amended guidelines are presented at the April meeting.

COVID19 Protocol

EMS supervisor Tina Ulbrich reported that one of the three ambulances had been designated as a “COVID truck,” and that a code had been worked out with local sheriff’s office dispatchers in the case of a suspected coronavirus patient.

She also said that the EMS policies regarding the treatment of and contact with possible COVID19 patients had been approved by medical director Dr. Mitch Morriber.

During the clinic portion of Monday’s meeting,  Albany nurse practitioner Claire Ware outlined the basic protocol for clinic personnel, including the fact that the clinic door is being kept locked, and patients must call ahead to be seen. 

“Our main goal is keeping everyone as safe as possible, and this protects our older patients,” said Ware. “Most patients have been appreciative of our efforts, even though it’s a little inconvenient.”

She added that the clinic does not yet have COVID19 tests, and that the plan is to triage any suspected cases, sending them home to self-quarantine or to Abilene emergency rooms.

In answer to a question from a board member, district administrator Jera Fairley emphasized that the clinic is not turning away any patients, just “staggering” patient appointments in order to protect the staff and all patients as much as possible.

Other Business

•Ulbrich reported that three security cameras have been installed outside the EMS station, with one camera in the medication room. 

•The EMS supervisor also stated that the ambulance crew was fully staffed.

•The board closed the meeting for a personnel issue for about 15 minutes, but no action was taken when the session reopened.

•Fairley commended both the clinic and ambulance personnel for their efforts during a recent patient “crisis” at the clinic, stating that they all worked well together.