COVID-19 Gadsden Regional
TO: EMS SERVICE PROVIDERS
FROM: John E. Blue, II, CEO
East Alabama EMS, Inc.
DATE: March 25, 2020
RE: GADSDEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER - GRMC – EMS Units Entry
Please find an important message regarding procedures for receiving and screening of patients upon arrival at Gadsden Regional Medical Center (GRMC) ED.
From Robert Collyer, Director of Emergency Department – GRMC:
“I apologize if I or my staff did not communicate this well to some agencies. We are dealing with a lot of stressed out, tired people inside and out of our institution. I am urging my staff to try not to overreact and extend grace to each other and our partners in this unprecedented event.” Robert Collyer
Continue to follow established communication channels i.e. phone, radio, ATCC, etc. and processes prior to patient transport and arrival.
Thank you for your continued service during these extraordinary times.
Respectfully,

John. E. Blue
Cc: Michael Minor
Dion Schultz
FROM: John E. Blue, II, CEO
East Alabama EMS, Inc.
DATE: March 25, 2020
RE: GADSDEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER - GRMC – EMS Units Entry
Please find an important message regarding procedures for receiving and screening of patients upon arrival at Gadsden Regional Medical Center (GRMC) ED.
From Robert Collyer, Director of Emergency Department – GRMC:
- Patient Pre-screened by EMS, or not, are met in ambulance bay and screened again, even if identified by EMS as ruled out.
- Screen in or PUI – Transfer to ED stretcher. Masked if not already. Report signed EMS staff remains outside to clean unit and remove PPE.
- They do not come inside ED till PPE removed.
- If emergent intubation required/already completed – move to negative pressure room regardless of PPE use.
- Screen Out – EMS crew will be allowed to deliver patient as usual
“I apologize if I or my staff did not communicate this well to some agencies. We are dealing with a lot of stressed out, tired people inside and out of our institution. I am urging my staff to try not to overreact and extend grace to each other and our partners in this unprecedented event.” Robert Collyer
Continue to follow established communication channels i.e. phone, radio, ATCC, etc. and processes prior to patient transport and arrival.
Thank you for your continued service during these extraordinary times.
Respectfully,

John. E. Blue
Cc: Michael Minor
Dion Schultz