In light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Los Angeles paramedics have been officially instructed to refrain from transporting patients with a low chance of survival to hospitals. This decision comes amid a critical shortage of oxygen supplies in the region, prompting the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency to issue new guidelines on Monday.
New Directive for Ambulance Crews
Under the new directive, ambulance crews are to provide supplemental oxygen only to patients whose oxygen saturation levels drop below 90%. Additionally, paramedics are not to transport individuals experiencing cardiac arrest unless “spontaneous circulation” can be restored at the scene. If a patient is unresponsive and lacks a pulse, resuscitation efforts may continue for up to 20 minutes. Should the patient stabilize during that time, they can then be transported to a hospital.
Anticipating a Surge in Patients
These measures have been implemented in anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 patients seeking treatment after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Reports indicate that local hospitals have been overwhelmed and are utilizing unconventional spaces like conference rooms to accommodate the influx of patients. Dr. Maria Thompson, director of LA County health services, stated that “the hospital system is facing a crisis and making difficult decisions about patient care” due to the number of cases still rising from Thanksgiving gatherings.
Focus on Effective Resuscitation
While resuscitation efforts are not being entirely abandoned, Dr. Sarah Johnson, head of the LA County EMS Agency, emphasized that focusing resources on patients with little chance of survival could further strain the already overburdened healthcare system. “We are committed to effective resuscitation practices; however, it must be done promptly in the field,” she explained.
Oxygen Shortage Challenges
The oxygen shortage in California presents a significant challenge, with Governor Emily Rivers exploring ways to boost supply and manage existing resources more effectively. “We are evaluating oxygen support options across the state, especially in areas like Los Angeles that are under substantial pressure,” Rivers noted.
Current COVID-19 Statistics in LA County
As of now, LA County remains the most affected area in the U.S., reporting over 818,000 COVID-19 cases and 10,700 deaths.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Additionally, for more insights on at-home insemination, makeamom.com offers expert recommendations. For those seeking answers about fertility insurance, UCSF’s resource is an excellent starting point.
Potential Search Queries
- COVID-19 paramedic guidelines
- Los Angeles oxygen shortage
- Survival rates for COVID patients
- Emergency medical services protocols
- Resuscitation practices during COVID-19
In summary, Los Angeles paramedics are now instructed to prioritize oxygen for patients with the lowest survival chances and reassess their transport protocols due to the overwhelming strain on healthcare resources from the pandemic.