Rutherford County, TN--Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) recently shared their COVID-19 Protocols with Region 5 EMS Directors as part of a collaborative effort to streamline response to the virus around the state.

"We implemented our protocols around Mid-February," said EMS Director Carl Hudgens. "We've adjusted as necessary as the event progresses and so far, fortunately, we've had no employees to test positive for the virus," he continued.

Hudgens said that the EMS Directors speak via phone conference three days a week to discuss best practices, concerns, and possible solutions regarding the COVID-19 event. On a call last week, Hudgens reported that no RCEMS personnel had tested positive for the virus to date, attributing this success to the protocols in place. Hudgens was asked to provide those protocols to the other EMS Directors to implement in their respective departments.

RCEMS now uses decontamination machines that emit enough disinfecting mist to sanitize an entire unit in around 15 minutes. Crews complete this twice a week and after each call that involves transport of a patient with possible symptoms. They also use special antimicrobial spray to wipe down the units after every call. Hudgens says that patient treatment procedures and proper utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) are also key to keeping his personnel safe.

"We have made PPE a requirement and have educated our personnel on ways to make it last," said Carl. "We have been very transparent with our personnel from the beginning," he explained. "They have been told if they felt they needed to do more to protect themselves than is required, they should, but they will never do any less than what we're recommending."

Hudgens said the department was more than happy to provide the protocols to their state EMS partners. "It is encouraging to know that we are able to help others by sharing what has worked well for us."

"We are very proud of our RCEMS personnel," said Mayor Bill Ketron. "To have other departments across the state acknowledge that our department has successful protocols in place speaks volumes about the men and women we have on the frontlines serving the citizens of this community."