Guidance for EMS on the Use of PPE in Long Term Care Facilities

The purpose of this communication is to share new guidance on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by First Responders and EMS when entering a nursing home or rest home (long term care facility).

In alignment with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and due to the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising all first responders, including but not limited to, fire personnel, law enforcement, and EMS personnel, to assume when responding to an event at a long term care facility that the individuals they are interacting with are infected with COVID-19. First responders and EMS personnel should don the appropriate PPE recommended for caring for individuals who are infected with COVID-19.  

There is also a document with Nursing Home Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for First Responders & Municipalities.