The success of monoclonal antibodies in treating COVID-19 by reducing the chance of hospitalization has led to these IV treatments being administered by EMS personnel at long-term care homes.
The downside to these treatments is that they are time-consuming to give and to monitor afterward for adverse reactions. This is why Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., has developed innovative ways for paramedics to facilitate their administration safely while reducing demands on their time.
Douglas Kupas, MD, is an EMS physician, emergency physician, and paramedic. He serves as director of Geisinger’s mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) program. He spoke recently with EMS World to share Geisinger’s approach. The MIH program employs Geisinger paramedics in four vehicles across 19 counties in north-central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
The success of monoclonal antibodies in treating COVID-19 by reducing the chance of hospitalization has led to these IV treatments being administered by EMS personnel at long-term care homes.
The downside to these treatments is that they are time-consuming to give and to monitor afterward for adverse reactions. This is why Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., has developed innovative ways for paramedics to facilitate their administration safely while reducing demands on their time.
Douglas Kupas, MD, is an EMS physician, emergency physician, and paramedic. He serves as director of Geisinger’s mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) program. He spoke recently with EMS World to share Geisinger’s approach. The MIH program employs Geisinger paramedics in four vehicles across 19 counties in north-central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
mmcilwain@sungazette.com
DANVILLE Geisinger has officially vaccinated over 10,000 employees, averaging 1,000 per day, after starting with its first allocation on Dec. 16 according to Allison Hess, vice president of health services.
A majority of the 10,000 were Geisinger employees but the healthcare system has also been providing vaccinations to Tier 1A health care workers which are described as “paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials” according to the state Department of Health.
This includes: emergency medical service personnel, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, direct support professionals, clinical persons in school settings or correctional facilities as well as health care facility persons in administration, maintenance, volunteer and engineering.
MALLORIE McILWAIN mmcilwain@sungazette.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Dr. Muhammed Saleem, of Geisinger, prepares to receive a shot of the COVID-19 vaccination.
DANVILLE Geisinger has officially vaccinated over 10,000 employees, averaging 1,000 per day, after starting with its first allocation on Dec. 16, according to Allison Hess, vice president of health services.
A majority of the 10,000 were Geisinger employees but the healthcare system has also been providing vaccinations to Tier 1A health care workers which are described as “paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials” according to the state Department of Health.