The main objective of 'Telemedicine' is not to expose patients and emergency personnel
Professional doctors remotely care for patients.
Photo:
Video Image / LAFD / Courtesy
He Los Angeles Fire Department launched a program this Friday to virtually help 911 callers with mild or non-fatal symptoms during the pandemic by COVID-19.
The Tele Telemedicine Program ’has been developed for two years and the LAFD decided to launch it now because of the health emergency, said Peter Sanders, LAFD director of public information.
With this modality, it is expected to reduce the number of ambulances that are sent to patients who do not need hospitalization; in addition to limiting the exposure of firefighters and paramedics to potential coronavirus patients.
"The program allows highly trained professionals to evaluate patients virtually using cell phones, which also reduces crowding of people in emergency rooms with patients who don't need treatment in a hospital, ”Sanders explained.
For example, if someone calls 911 and the patient is between the ages of 2 and 65 and falls under the category of "non-urgent," the operator may refer them to "telemedical" assistance. So, the patient will have face-to-face assistance [with the phone camera]Sanders said.
The provider may then recommend that the patient stay home. or send a prepaid taxi or an ambulance to take him to the emergency room.
A demonstration It can be seen, in English, in the following video.
“Our emergency personnel they are acting with courage and ingenuity in facing the COVID-19 crisis"Said the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, it's a statement.
"This pilot program will help us respond more effectively by taking unnecessary weight off of medical professionals, and ensuring that the most urgent calls for assistance are answered with the immediacy that we know can save lives. ”
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