Paramedics donning face shields, gowns for calls with potential COVID-19 exposure

Hamilton paramedics are pulling on face shields, gowns and other protective equipment before responding to calls involving people with potential exposure to coronavirus.

The extra safeguards follow the advice of the Ministry of Health and public health officials, according to superintendent Dave Thompson.

It's not irregular for paramedics to wear different protective gear such as masks or gloves, depending on the type of call they're responding to, he explained.

For possible COVID-19 incidents "that would include gloves, booties, masks, protective or safety eyewear as well as gowns and face shields," said Thompson.

Dispatchers at the Hamilton Central Ambulance Communication Centre which serves the city, Haldimand County, Norfolk,Six Nations and Brant County are also screening callers for possible COVID-19 exposure and travel to affected countries, Thompson added.

The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus is nearing 100,000worldwide.

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A total of 1,763 people in Ontario have been tested so far, with 26cases confirmed positive. Thenumber of Canadian cases (including the presumed cases) rose to 51 as of Friday afternoon.

Public health officials told CBCmore than a dozenpatients in Hamilton have been tested so far, but their results have all come back negative.

A McMaster University student, who returned from a trip to Italy with flu-like symptoms, also tested negative.

Experts at hospitals across the city are meeting regularly to help staff prepare for if and when COVID-19 hits Hamilton.

Hamilton paramedics have learned from past outbreaks such asSARS, said Thompson, allowing them to be more proactive then reactive.

Procedures to make sure paramedics, patients and hospital staff remain safe are also in place.

"We meet daily with our community stakeholders and partners as the situation changes and evolves," he said."It's a very fluid situation. The goal is to meet the demands of both the healthcare system and the residents that are potentially affected by COVID-19."