Embedded Files
COVID-19
COVID-19
Last Updated 4/1/24
This page serves as a central location for all guidelines that govern CPMU COVID-19 operations. This is agency-specific information and should not be shared with anyone outside of CPMU.
If you have any questions about this documentation, contact admin@cpmu.com
CPMU Operating Guidelines
CPMU Operating Guidelines
Make sure to review CPMU COVID-19 SOP. Please read closely. Available in the section below ("CPMU DOCUMENTS")
Crews should stay up-to-date on hospital visitation policies. As of April 2023, some hospitals are still permitting only one visitor per adult patient and two per pediatric patients (guardians only).
Per the CPMU COVID-19 SOP, notifications are not needed for all COVID calls. Notifications are only needed for critical calls.
Re-supply: You should attempt to restock from CPP, not hospital resources. The bus must always be 800 when going 98. You may wish to stock additional PPE before beginning tours if you are taken away from the Central Park area. Do not hoard supplies unnecessarily. Return all overstock to CPP when finished with your tour.
If you have any questions while on tour, contact VPO Garry Resnick 917-450-4001. If unavailable, you may contact the President or VPA.
Drivers—Please make sure the driver compartment is closed during any confirmed or suspected COVID patient transport and to dispose of any garbage in the red biohazard bags at the hospital after each patient transport. Additionally please ensure that all ambulance doors are locked at all times. For any problems with vehicles please contact vehicles@cpmu.com
Call Suggestions
Bring a gown for each crew member in the jump kit into every call just in case
Per CPMU SOP COVID-19 protocol, fill out paperwork for COVID calls after call is complete
Clean the buses THOROUGHLY after EVERY call, even non-COVID
Speak to every patient about any past symptoms of fever, cough, SOP and COVID test
Must bring stair chair or stretcher into all apartment calls. Don't forget sheet with stair chair.
CPR Guidelines
Cardiac arrest treatment should follow standard NYC REMAC BLS protocols.
You should contact OLMC for termination of resuscitation for patients that meet the criteria in REMAC Advisory 2020-13
Calls Involving Patient Death <<<UPDATED TO REFLECT RESCINDED CARDIAC ARREST GUIDELINES 5/1/2020>>>
Unfortunately given the current crisis it is possible that you may be assigned to a call involving a death of a patient. Please review CPMU SOP 04-16.
Guidance For Scenarios:
Obvious signs of death: Inform MARS of 10-83D disposition and ask for PD. Await PD on scene. Clear after PD arrival.
Valid DNR or MOLST, CPR not in progress: Inform MARS of 10-83D disposition and ask for PD. Await PD on scene. Clear after PD arrival.
Valid DNR or MOLST, CPR in progress: Call telemetry to authorize cessation of CPR. Inform FDNY EMS dispatch of 10-83R disposition and ask for PD. Await PD on scene. Clear after PD arrival.
Important reminders:
Call telemetry (medical control) for any questions or uncertain scenarios while in 9-1-1 system.
If you pronounce a death, be sure to document the time and provide to ALS and PD.
If ALS is on-scene, they will clear the scene and the BLS unit will await PD. BLS will clear upon PD arrival. If PD is delayed, call 646-610-5580.
You must call the VPO, VPA or President after any calls involving a death before going back into service
Once you have called the VPO, VPA or President and PD is on scene you may go back into service.
Document all calls very thoroughly, including time of death.
This crisis is very emotional for us all. Please remember that CPMU offers resources for members experiencing emotional distress for any reason during this time and at any time. If you wish to speak with someone anonymously, you can call the National Volunteer Fire Council Fire/EMS Helpline at 888-731-3473 or SAFECALLNOW at 206-459-3020. See the section below on provider wellness.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<PPE SECTION>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Refer to Latest CDC PPE Guidance Here
All members performing ambulance duty MUST wear a mask during any patient contact that meets COVID criteria. This includes any unresponsive patients.
Mask and Eye Protection on All COVID+ Calls - Full PPE (Mask + Eye Protection + Gloves) must be worn for confirmed COVID+ patients.
Provider PPE Disposability Guidelines:
Surgical Masks - Use one for the whole tour (unless soiled, in which case replace). Dispose after tour.
N95 Masks - Use one for the whole tour (unless soiled, in which case replace). Dispose after tour.
Gowns - Dispose after single use
Goggles - Reusable. Decontaminate with wipes after every use. You may leave on bus / in precinct after tour.
Face Shields - Reusable for the same provider only. Decontaminate with wipes after every use. After tour, place in a large Ziploc bag for reuse. You may keep with you if you want to re-use for a future tour. Dispose if soiled.
Crews should dispose all PPE in the ambulance and bring to hospital for final disposal. All PPE should be disposed in red biohazard bags, even for non-COVID patients. Red bags should be placed in red bags or red bins in hospitals (not standard trash). If you are unable to locate biohazard receptacles in hospitals, ask hospital staff. PPE should not be disposed in any public area or on-scene, including street trash cans.
Driver PPE (For suspected and confirmed COVID patients)
A reminder to crews to follow CPMU COVID-19 SOP regarding driver PPE:
- EMT Drivers on 2-person crews: Drivers should doff gloves and gowns before entering the driver compartment prior to transport. Continue wearing mask and eye protection during transport. Don new gown and gloves upon arrival. Do not wear gowns in driver compartment to minimize contamination. This means 2 gowns per call if COVID pt is transported. You may want to keep a spare gown and gloves in the driver compartment. You also may want to keep a red bag in an outer compartment for PPE disposal to minimize time in patient compartment.
- MVO Drivers: Wear eye protection and mask during transport. Do not enter patient care area or hospital at any time.
- All drivers: keep divider between driver and patient compartment at all times. Follow SOP for decontamination of entire ambulance after calls.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<END OF PPE SECTION>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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The guidelines below are in effect only when activated under the FDNY EMS 9-1-1 Mutual Aid system.
All CPMU volunteers operating in the FDNY EMS mutual aid system MUST be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Follow all instructions from scheduling / tour notifications / VPO regarding operating on FDNY 9-1-1 tours. Log-on instructions will be provided in tour notes. Confirm with RCC that they will send you jobs over the EMS-Central radio frequency. Units will be designated over the air as 91-Adam or 91-Charlie (see tour notification for designated unit assignment). You may also be assigned a sub-designation such as 91-A-1 or 91-A-2. No interaction with Northwell, NYPD or Parks (no log-on, no radios needed).
Additional information may be relayed via the tour notification or other means regarding the latest FDNY operational guidelines, such as ability to honor patient transport destination requests. Units operating in the 9-1-1 system must operate in accordance with the latest FDNY operational directives.
While participating in the 911 system you cannot self-deploy or respond to any incident not assigned to you by FDNY. Render aid at any legitimate “flag” and notify MARS of the location and nature if incident. You may be assigned a 10-89 (standby location) between assignments. If not on a call you MUST be parked on the assigned 10-89 if designated. FDNY EMS /MARS radio is your primary communication while in 911 service. The use of NYPD or parks radio is not required. Remain equipped with CPMU portable radios as well in case CPMU leadership or other crews need to reach you in the field.
ePCR type of response is "Mutual Aid." Make sure to document the FDNY CAD# in the appropriate section.
10-98 vs 10-97:
When you log-on with RCC in the morning and for anytime that you are available within the confines of Central Park, you should inform the RCC either by phone or radio that you are "10-97" (available within your area of response), not 10-98. Please remember the following radio designations for a unit that is available and use them appropriately:
10-98 available outside your area of response
10-97 available within their area of response
10-89 available at your assigned cross street location
REMSCO/REMAC/DOH Documents
REMSCO/REMAC/DOH Documents
Below are the NYC REMAC advisories that apply to BLS patient care practices at CPMU related to COVID-19.
All 2020 REMAC advisories can be found at this link.
The following advisories have to do with patient triage and transport decisions and do govern CPMU operations. CPMU EMTs should be familiar with these protocol:
2020-08: TEMPORARY Cardiac Arrest Standards for Disaster Response (SUPERSEDED)
2020-09: Implementation of EMS Viral Pandemic Triage Protocol for Disaster Response (RESCINDED 4/27 BY 2020-12)
2020-10: Updated: TEMPORARY Cardiac Arrest Standards for Disaster Response (SUPERSEDED)
2020-11: Clarified: Cardiac Arrest Standards for Disaster Response (RESCINDED 5/1)
2020-13: Termination of Resuscitation (TOR) For Futility Physician Guideline
The following advisories are all reflected in the CPMU COVID-19 SOP. You should be familiar with the advisories, but refer to the CPMU SOP (section above) for governing language.
The following DOH policies governs CPMU operations:
CPMU EMTs are required to comply with DOH rules requiring that any personnel entering a nursing home or adult care facility be screened for COVID-19 including a temperature check.
The DOH COVID-19 advisories not listed individually here, as they are superseded by REMAC advisories.
FDNY EMS CAD Phone
FDNY EMS CAD Phone
Below is the information for the FDNY EMS CAD Phone.
(FULL TUTORIAL AVAILABLE ON CPMU ADAPTIVEU.IO WEBSITE
FDNY EMSCAD Android User Guide UPDATED 2/24
FDNY EMSCAD Android User Guide UPDATED 10/23
FDNY EMSCAD Android User Guide OLD
App login information / fields
Notes:
OVERVIEW
DEVICE - There is only one Android device assigned to CPMU currently. It comes with a belt holster and both a cigarette-style (DC) charger for the ambulance and a standard (AC) charger for the radio cabinet. If you use the holster, make sure the device "clicks" and is secure. When in the ambulance, keep charging at all times. You should sanitize the device frequently with wipes. Do not forget to bring the device, DC charger and belt holster all back to the radio cabinet or the next crew after use. Do not leave anything in your ambulance.
SCHEDULING - Units that will be carrying the EMS CAD device will be identified on tour notifications sent by CPMU scheduling. The device should be used by the member of the tour that is most comfortable with using smartphone apps and most familiar with FDNY EMS operations.
LOGISTICS - Crews will either retrieve the device directly from the previous tour or from the radio cabinet. If a crew is ending a tour and no next crew is taking the device, the device should be stored charging in the radio cabinet.
OPERATIONS/APP USE
LOGON/LOGOFF -
A) Log-On Procedure:
i) Call RCC Div 6 via telephone to log-on.
If you cannot reach RCC Div 6 via phone, call Div 1.
ii) Log-on app (refer here for log-on screen reference)
iii) Transmit "10-97" via CAD phone or radio.
B) Log-Off Procedure
i) Log-off app
ii) FOR YOUR SAFETY YOU MUST CALL DIVISION 6 RCC AND CONFIRM THAT YOU ARE LOGGED OFF AT THE END OF YOUR TOUR!! If you do not log off with RCC, the FDNY WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU to make sure that you are safe. If you gave an end time when you logged in, you should be logged out automatically when you transmit an available signal (10-99/98/97/89) after your logoff time. However, you still must confirm with RCC. *You will not be logged out if you remain on a 10-81 (at the hospital) signal.*
You must follow the procedure above. Logging on/off the app only does not put you in/out of service.
RADIOS - If you have any issues or the device is not working, the radio is your backup. They can still read full jobs out over the air if asked.
STATUS CHANGES - When you log-in, mark your status 97 at the precinct on the device. When you arrive at your CSL, update to 89. Unless told otherwise by the dispatcher, units should always return to their CSL and update their status as 89 on the device. If you have difficulty marking your status 89, 97 is acceptable. If you move away from your CSL, update your status to 97 (or if 97 is not possible, 98). The device may change your status automatically based on your GPS location.
CALLS - Calls will be sent directly over the device. An alert tone will sound when a call is assigned. All unit status changes (63/84/82/81/98/89/etc) should be marked directly in the device. You do not have to update your unit status by radio unless there is an issue with the device or asked by the dispatcher.
TRANSPORT DESTINATION - You must follow the FDNY COVID-19 policy of going to the closest appropriate facility. When you select 82 (En-Route to Hospital), the app will recommend the closest facility based on GPS. You will also have to select transport category. Note that Category A / GED is "General Emergency Department."
FEEDBACK - Any feedback should be emailed directly to admin@cpmu.com
<<<ADDITIONAL NOTES 4/13/20>>>
HANDOFF - If the crew prior to yours has the CAD device, you may go into service via FDNY EMS radio if they are not available to hand-off. You can try and return to CPP to get the device and log-in if possible (inform FDNY EMS by phone).
CAD PHONE USE
CPMU has only one Samsung Andorid phone that runs the CAD app. This phone should be used for no other purpose than FDNY CAD use. You cannot dowload the CAD app onto your phone. It must be used on this device.
HOLSTER, MOUNT AND POCKETS - We are working to get a better mount and holster setup. If you do bring the phone out of the ambulance, be sure to keep it clipped into the holster. If you place the device without the holster in your pocket, it may push buttons on the app by accident and change your status.
ON-SCENE STATUS (10-84) - If you forget to mark your on-scene status on the device, do not mark your 84 time upon return to the ambulance. In general, any times that you are unable to enter in correctly should be given via radio to FDNY EMS. Note that once you mark yourself as 84 (On-Scene), the device may change your status to 88, which is equivalent to 84. Over the radio you should continue to only use the 84 code or just "On Scene."
OTHER DISPOSITIONS - RMA (93) for this disposition you should use the "Clear Job" button on the menu screen. Indicate the appropriate disposition code. For Unfounded (90) / Gone on Arrival (96) / Other Unit Handling (87) you must contact EMD via radio to clear—this cannot be done via the CAD phone.
TROUBLESHOOTING - If you are having difficulty with the app, or if FDNY EMS tells you that you have an assignment but it does not come through on the app:
Check on the home screen if the status indicator on the top right is green and if it says 91A on the top left (that means you're logged in).
Press the dots on the top right corner and click "Exit."
Relaunch the app and check the status indicator and Unit ID. If no Unit ID, log-in again.
If all of this does not work you can reboot the phone.
If none of these steps work, when FDNY EMS calls for the assignment, you can tell them that you are having trouble with your KDT and request the job to be read out. You always have the option of switching back to radio use and not using the CAD device.
Tour/FDNY Phone Numbers and Links
Tour/FDNY Phone Numbers and Links
FDNY Phone Numbers (For Reference):
RCC Division 6: (212)693-3790
Citywide 1 (Backup to RCC): 347-250-6334
Telemetry / Medical Control: (800) 281-8356
Diversions: 347-250-6332
NYPD DOA Removal: 646-610-5580
OLD MARS (Dispatch and Log-On): 347-250-6329 (Old) 347-250-6553
RCC Division 1: 212-964-4570
OLD RCC Division 6: (212)693-3795
Links:
Patient Referral Phone Numbers
Patient Referral Phone Numbers
NYC COVID-19 Hotline: 844-692-4692
NYC WELL Mental Health Hotline: 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
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