Download Special CO Detector Project Announcement

To:
EMMCO West PA Department of Health Licensed EMS Agencies
From: William D. McClincy
Executive Director
Date: June 17, 2016
Ref.:
EMS Provider Safety Initiative – CO Detectors
Since 2009, EMMCO West regional EMS agencies/providers have been provided
the protection of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector attached to their first in bags.
As a result of this EMS provider safety initiative, EMS providers, family members,
and patients have benefited from these devices. The CO detectors have altered
EMS providers of not only harmful environments but have assisted them with
identifying a working diagnosis for the patient’s illness/chief complaint.
In a published article in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Brian Risavi DO, etal. identified
the use of CO detectors by EMS personnel. The following is their published study conclusion,
“Carbon monoxide poisoning remains an elusive threat to both patients and EMS providers. These
cases demonstrate the importance of portable environmental detection devices for continuous
surveillance, to identify hazardous environments where significant carbon monoxide levels exist. All
EMS agencies should consider carrying these devices in, or attached to, their first-in medical jump bags
to protect their providers and improve their ability to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning in their
patients.”
Through grant funding provided by the PA Department of Health, EMMCO West is able to replace
expiring CO detectors for licensed EMS agencies located within the EMMCO West region. EMS
agencies that have expired or soon to be expiring CO detectors are eligible to receive a replacement
CO detector for each of their licensed EMS agencies that meet the project criteria. Here’s what your
EMS agency needs to do to receive a replacement CO detector for each licensed EMS agency
vehicle –
1. Licensed PA Department of Health EMS agency located within the EMMCO West region.
2. Has an existing CO detector that may be expired or has < 3 months remaining on the detector.
3. Agrees to complete a CO detector activation report, if the device alarms for a CO detection.
The bottom line is patient care
Serving Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, Warren Counties
Suite 101, 16271 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, PA 16335
814-337-5380 814-337-0871 (FAX) www.emmco.org [email protected]
NOTE - There is a limited number of CO detectors available through this grant program. The
replacement CO detectors will be provided on a first come/serve basis. Funding will be sought
during the next fiscal year, FY 16-17, for additional replacement detectors, to expand the CO
detector project to include new EMS agencies, or for EMS agencies that have added additional
vehicles.
Submission Process –

Complete an online form, www.emmco.org , Operations Page, CO Detectors
OR complete the form that is included
Distribution –
EMS agencies will be notified of their acceptance into the project. The CO detectors will be
available for pickup at the EMMCO West office or by EMMCO West staff drop off, if the staff
member is already attending meetings or activities in the area of the EMS agency. Postage of the
detectors will be arranged if neither of these means of delivery will work.
Contact me, [email protected], if you have any questions about this project.