MOUNTAIN RESCUE ENGLAND AND WALES SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN RESCUE: COVID-19 GUIDELINE 1 INITIAL APPROACH TO THE CASUALTY
UPDATED
ASSESS RISK TO SELF • CASUALTY • OTHERS No risk assessment means NO rescue Any of the following: • Casualty known to be Covid-19 positive • Recent dry cough/fever/loss of smell or taste • Contact with known or suspected case in last 14 days • Unconscious or unable to give history • Medical symptom of shortness of breath/chest tightness started recently but before today.
Mask on casualty (unless requires oxygen or other priority need)
YES TO ANY [HIGH RISK] or
NO TO ALL [MEDIUM RISK] BUT Need to be within 2 metres of
NO TO ALL [MEDIUM RISK] But Able to maintain social distance and no direct contact with contaminated objects.
• Gloves Need to give casualty care Minimum PPE required is:
other rescuers or people Minimal PPE required is:
• Surgical mask • Medical gloves • Eye protection • Waterproof layer.
• Surgical mask* • Gloves (no need for medical, can use washable gloves) • Eye protection • Waterproof layer. *This should be the normal action. Dynamic risk assessment required in exceptional circumstances where safety or operational effectiveness would be compromised.
Throughout the rescue:
• Minimise total team to safe operational number • Team to maintain social distancing • Kit dump away from immediate casualty site • Casualty Care by minimal number • Advise aircrew or ambulance of Covid-19 status and risk • Avoid the use of a bivi shelter unless for environmental and clinical need • Consider use of Blizzard bag and/or alternative methods of insulation • Dispose or isolate and wash and decontaminate.
• Assist rescue and maintain social distance • Do not touch any potentially contaminated equipment • Dynamic risk assessment • Put on PPE if role changes.
MREW Covid-19 Guideline 1: Mike Greene Medical Director Updated October 2020. V4.0
Please note: These documents were updated in October 2020 to reflect UKSAR guidelines. These are guiding principles and will need to be implemented at a local level. This continues to be a fast-moving crisis and guidance can change. Further amendments will be posted in the MREW Moodle Covid-19 site.
MIKE GREENE MREW MEDICAL DIRECTOR
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MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE WINTER 2021
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