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.

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] 3. Agrees to complete a CO detector activation report, if the device alarms for a CO detection.

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.