Starting today, the Pueblo Fire Department has adopted a new medical guideline that was written to adapt to the circumstances regarding the current and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.

The procedure is aligned with what other emergency services agencies along the front range have already shifted to.

For the duration of the pandemic emergency, Pueblo EMS and AMR units responding to patients that are complaining of COVID-like symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Based on the response to the questions, the patient may be directed to stay at home with a set of instructions for home-based self-care.

This procedure is expected to help assess and guide patients that would likely not meet the criteria for admission to the Emergency Rooms at local hospitals.

“The problem that we are addressing is not having enough resources available at the hospitals to see each patient with mild or no symptoms,” says Fire Chief Barb Huber. “Our goal is to address the concerns of the patient, while saving them the time and frustration of a crowded waiting room at the ER. As a matter of fact, we may be able to give them the answers they are seeking with our field assessment and guidance.”

Patients who agree to the Non-Transport Guideline will receive a follow-up call within about 24 hours to check on their status. Though this guideline is new way of conducting patient assessments, it is needed to help maintain limited resources including ambulances and hospital rooms for critical care calls.

*** Please see pueblohealth.org or call 583-4444 for other very useful COVID-19 information ***