Suburban EMS crews and staff would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to residents of our coverage area who are taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We are a company of first responders, but we are also a company of PEOPLE. We have families and friends and pets, just like anyone else. And at the end of the day, we all just want to go home safe and healthy- just like you. We thank you in advance for helping us to stay safe while we do our part to serve our community.

Here are some things to keep in mind, should you need to call 911 for any reason:

1. If you need to call 911, please be sure to disclose to the operator any COVID-19 related symptoms or exposures. Disclosing that you have COVID-19, or have been exposed to it, will not impact your care. We will still respond. We will still arrive quickly. We will still provide excellent care to you or your loved one. We will simply take extra steps to protect ourselves while doing so. Please help us to keep ourselves and the community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19.
2. Upon arrival, our crews will begin an assessment from a safe distance (about 6 feet away) to determine any potential risks associated with COVID-19. Please be aware of this and do not immediately approach the crews.
3. We will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If you have a small child or any anxious individual, you may want to inform them of this prior to our arrival. We know that it can be a scary sight for some people, and we hope that you can help us to prepare them in advance.

Help to stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking the following actions:

1. Stay home unless it is an emergency or you need essential supplies.
2. If you must go out, practice social distancing and stay at least 6ft. away from others.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes. Always.
5. Avoid others who are sick.
6. If you have a medical concern that is NOT an emergency- even if it is COVID-19 related or you believe you have contracted COVID-19- call your doctor first. Reserve the use of 911 for true emergencies.
7. Visit www.cdc.gov often for updated guidelines.

Please keep in mind that a positive COVID-19 test does not mean that you need a hospital. Many COVID-19 positive individuals can stay at home (isolated from other household members) and recover without complications. You do not need to go to a hospital just because you have contracted COVID-19 If you receive a positive test result but have no serious symptoms, call your doctor and follow their advice. If you believe you have COVID-19 but have no serious symptoms, call your doctor and follow their advice. Please reserve the use of 911 for true emergencies. If, at any point, your symptoms worsen and you feel you need urgent medical care, call 911 and inform the operator that you have, or believe you have, COVID-19. We will respond and get you the help you need.

In any medical emergency, do not hesitate- call 911 immediately. This has not changed.

At Suburban EMS, we care… every hour, every day. Every type of call. We are here with you and together we will get through this.