Kevin, Emergency Medicine PA on the frontlines of COVID-19
Kevin Dickson is a Canadian PA in Emergency Medicine in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He is also the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants PA chapter president for New Brunswick.
What we’re doing in Fredericton, New Brunswick is a good example of how PAs can contribute during COVID-19.
A month ago, there were three PAs in the Emergency Department and we ran a fast track program. With COVID-19, there have been changes to our ED and the fast-track is now closed. We’ve separated into a second triage for all respiratory, fever, travel type complaints.
“The PA’s full time job along with the triage nurse is to manage this second triage, which we call the “COVID-Corner”. That’s our main job to treat respiratory complaints, swab and evaluate patients with fever and pre-screen for who needs a swab.”
The PAs are using re-usable gown, surgical mask, face shield and gloves. We have access to n95 if required.
My advice to other PAs would be: Take your time with the PPE. Develop confidence and recognize danger moments with the doffing of PA. Trust your teammates, listen to your friends, be a resource, and stick together through this tough time. Develop a sense of humour.
