EXCERPT: “Paramedic Heidi Rennick describes her first COVID-19 call last spring like ‘walking on to a movie set.’ When she arrived at the hospital, there were COVID-19-only floors, red tape and full beds. The challenges have mounted since those first cases, and emergency medical services across the state have adapted with new protocols, treatment plans and personal protective equipment — and in some smaller communities, where emergency medical services are volunteer-operated, shifts have been hard to fill. Rennick, a staff paramedic, and EMT John Aldrich work together for Lakes Region EMS, covering the Chisago Lakes area, north of the Twin Cities. They feel those pressures on a daily basis. Even the most routine calls carry higher risk — and require more preparation — than before the pandemic. Any call could involve a COVID-19 case.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/37tjTZT
