HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure that emergency medical services (EMS) staff followed hospital policy to ensure face coverings were worn and/or social distancing was maintained while on duty on the hospital property. This had the potential to affect staff and the general public.

Findings included:

The Minnesota Executive Order 20-81 dated 7/22/20, directs people in Minnesota to wear a face covering while indoor businesses and public settings. Workers must also wear face coverings outdoors when it is not possible to maintain social distancing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) face coverings are effective in preventing the transmission of respiratory droplets that may spread COVID-19.

During an interview on 10/28/20, 11:40 a.m. assistant emergency medical services (EMS) Chief stated the expectation of EMS staff was to wear a surgical mask while on duty and be six feet away from co-workers. Assistant EMS Chief stated email updates are sent daily and include reminders to wear a mask at all times.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 1:00 p.m. Infection Preventionist (IP) stated there was enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for all hospital staff.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 1:10 p.m. Director of IP stated COVID education was on the computer for staff and was sent out to the staff, a biweekly publication went out to employees, and employees were coached on donning and doffing PPE.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 1:40 p.m. EMS Chief stated all EMS staff should wear a mask at all times. The EMS Chief stated EMS personnel should follow the hospital policy and wear a mask. EMS Chief stated EMS services were part of the hospital.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 3:20 p.m. paramedic (P)-A stated a mask should be worn at all times. P-A stated there were concerns there was a high non-compliance rate with EMS wearing masks while at work. P-A stated paramedics did not wear masks in the garage or in the cab of the rig (ambulance). P-A stated the EMS personnel should be at the top of their game by now as they know about COVID-19.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 3:59 p.m. P-B stated compliance was not good. P-B stated staff from a neighboring state will not wear masks while at work. P-B stated in staff quarters there a lot of personnel that do not wear masks on overnights.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 3:17 p.m. P-C stated we get emails from our supervisors that suggest we wear a mask. P-C stated we have two paramedics in the cab of the rig, we are not six feet apart and one of the paramedics usually does not wear a mask.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 3:45 p.m. the accreditation program manager (APM) stated the EMS personnel were to follow the hospital policy on wearing masks.

During video review on 10/28/20, at 4:15 p.m. of the EMS quarters area, located on hospital grounds, dated 10/23/20, at 12:00 a.m. through 4:46 a.m. revealed there were twelve paramedics in that time frame that did not wear a mask in the EMS quarters area. The paramedics came in from the garage area without masks, came out of changing rooms without masks on and walked by other paramedics, and stood by the time clock within six feet of other paramedics with no masks on and had conversations.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 4:40 p.m. the APM stated staff were not six feet apart and that there was a problem on night shift with paramedics who did not wear masks at all times.

During an interview on 10/28/20, at 4:50 p.m. Assistant EMS Chief stated the paramedics should have a mask on in staff quarters. The Assistant EMS Chief stated there was a problem on the night shift with paramedics who did not wear a masks.

A HEMS (Hennepin Emergency Medical Services) Weekly Update dated 9/4/20, revealed a reminder to wear a mask at all times when practical. We want to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

A facility policy titled, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements by role grid dated 6/29/20, indicated Ambulatory/Outpatient personnel were to wear surgical mask.