(above) You can follow the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad on Facebook.
Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad
Submitted by David Sloan, WVRS President
Over the last three months, the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad (WVRS) has taken on the special task of aiding those most in need, the sick, during the pandemic. Many challenges and obstacles had to be acknowledged and dealt with prior to the statewide lockdown on March 21st. The world was facing a global threat, and as information trickled down the chain of command, official state mandates and new (OEM) protocols required emergency medical services to make drastic changes so as not to compromise the safety of those first responders tending to the critical patients in need of urgent medical care.
Some of the biggest changes for the rescue squad included: limiting crews to just two members in an ambulance (i.e. restricting use of probationary members), proper adherence to additional personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination of the ambulance and equipment after a suspected or confirmed “COVID call.” It also included obeying the new protocols at the local hospitals, which involved triaging patients before entering the emergency room and sometimes hour-long waits upon arrival outside in the ambulances during the peak months of March and April.
For any “COVID calls,” crew members take the precautionary measures and don non-latex gloves, N95 or surgical masks, Tyvek body suits or washable overalls, goggles or a face shield prior to entering any home or facility. Many of the “COVID calls,” but not all, originate from the handful of long-term care and assisted-living facilities in Westfield. The majority of “COVID calls” come in as respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, or fever/not feeling well; however, the top emergencies continue to be for falls/lift assists. The call volume, year over year, for the months of March and April were almost identical to 2019 numbers.
Once a suspected or confirmed “COVID call” is complete, the crews “decon” themselves and the equipment used on the call using bleach and alcohol wipes. The crews then wipe down the ambulance, or rig, inside and out. WVRS also purchased a lantern-like, ultra-violet light device to be used inside the rig. Once this “lantern” is activated, it decontaminates the ambulance by emitting an ultra-violet light for about ten minutes, thereby killing any viruses or pathogens that escaped the initial bleach wipe down.
The month of May saw a noticeable drop in calls and a marked reduction in “COVID calls.” Hospital admissions have ostensibly decreased and wait times are no longer an issue for EMS crews. It is expected that there will be a resurgence of hospital visits due to medical conditions that took a backseat due to the effort to fight COVID-19, but let’s hope this declining trend with COVID-19 emergencies continue.
The Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad continues to recommend washing of hands with soap and warm water as well as naturally boosting your immune system by getting plenty of rest, drinking (filtered) water, eating a healthy diet filled with organic fruits and vegetables, reducing stress/anxiety with exercise, meditation, and sunshine to help fight infection. Vitamins also help fight infections, but make sure you consult your doctor as to which supplements will be best for you. On a side note, if you choose to wear a mask or face covering, make sure you are properly cleaning the mask (where appropriate) after every use to limit the buildup of pathogens and bacteria on the mask itself. Be mindful that studies show wearing masks, e.g. surgical and N95 masks, reduce oxygen levels in the body (potentially causing hypoxia) and can increase carbon dioxide levels (potentially causing hypercapnia). If you start to feel dizzy or light-headed while wearing a mask, make sure you remove it immediately and breathe deeply. Call 911 if symptoms don’t improve.
The members of the WVRS want to thank everyone for their generosity and support over the last couple of months. We received many thank you letters, several food donations, and necessary medical supplies from residents and businesses. The Westfield community has shown their appreciation and gratitude to us, which encourages and motivates all the volunteers of the rescue squad to continue this crucial service.
If you are interested in volunteering for the rescue squad as a riding member or dispatcher, please visit us at our squad building at 335 Watterson Street to pick up an application. You may also download an application on our website: westfieldrescuesquad.org. We are always looking for new members who want to make a positive impact on our community.
Stay safe and healthy everyone.
(above) Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad uses a lantern UV light to decon the ambulance after COVID calls.
