Fewer are alerting the ambulance during the corona crisis

According to Stefan Engdahl, assignments have decreased by up to 40 percent in recent weeks. Something he describes as calm before the storm. 

- It will be very serious in the future and we are waiting for a bigger load, he says. 

Both Kronoberg and Kalmar counties, which have had relatively few confirmed cases of covid-19, now see a clear increase in the number of infected persons. And on the ambulance in Växjö, the corona alarm starts to come ever closer. 

- We have had several weeks to prepare and good guidelines from the infection control unit. But this is completely new to us and there is a concern among the staff, about getting themselves infected and taking the infection home. Or if the protective equipment will suffice, says Stefan Engdahl.

Despite fewer missions, the load can be high on the ambulance as each mission takes longer. Protective equipment is used in a coronal alarm and afterwards both material and car must be cleaned.

Since Friday, Länsstrafiken Kronoberg's service trips will help transport corona patients to relieve the ambulance operations. Five drivers have been trained quickly in the hygiene rules and have been provided with protective equipment by the region.

- They will be able to help with high-risk patients who carry an infection. It can be about transporting between homes or to and from hospitals, says Stefan Engdahl.