Important Public Safety Message from Hatzalah of Baltimore

By Hatzalah of Baltimore
Posted on 03/11/20

Baltimore, MD - Mar. 11, 2020 - Hatzalah of Baltimore is actively monitoring the ongoing developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  As you are aware, there are confirmed cases in Maryland.  To ensure Hatzalah has the ability to meet the demands of the community while ensuring the safety of our providers, we we want to share the following information with the community.

• Hatzalah members cannot diagnose Coronavirus - Please be aware that Hatzalah members cannot diagnose the virus or treat you at home.  Our job is to transport critically ill patients to the hospital for treatment.
• Call your primary care provider - If you think you may have the virus, but don’t have any life threatening symptoms, your first call should be to your primary care provider for direction. 
• Hatzalah is not an Uber or cab service - If your primary care provider advises you to go to the emergency room please ask if an ambulance is needed and discuss other options.
• Limited Supplies - Please be aware that personal protective equipment used on calls for potential coronavirus victims to protect our providers are in high demand, and are difficult and costly to purchase.  Thankfully, Hatzalah has secured a stock of this equipment but the supply is limited.  If the equipment is not available we will not be able to respond to any coronavirus calls. 
• We need to know - Effective immediately all callers will be asked a series of questions regarding coronavirus.  Specifically, the dispatchers will be asking if the patient has any breathing difficulty, fever, cough, recent travel, or known or possible exposures to people with the virus.  Please be prepared to answer these questions in the event of an emergency.  Full disclosure is critical to keep you and our providers safe.
• Shabbos Rides home from the Hospital- Until further notice we will not be partnering with Bikur Cholim to provide transportation home from the hospital for anyone who has signs of illness or is awaiting Coronavirus test results.
• Be Proactive - Follow the hand washing and hygiene guidance disseminated throughout the community.
• Do your part - If you have ANY symptoms of illness, stay home. Do not go to public gatherings such as minyanim, kiddushim, simchas, etc.