July Edition 2020
Inside This Issue
Everyday Heroes in Scrubs By Tom Florence, Executive Vice President, Merritt Hawkins
S VA Launches COVID-19 Screening Tool See pg. 8
INDEX Legal Matters....................... pg.3 Oncology Research......... pg.6 Mental Health...................... pg.9 Healthy Heart..................... pg.10
Oral Health Affects the Rest of Your Body See pg. 13
ince the first case of the coronavirus was confirmed in the United States in late January, healthcare professionals have been risking their own safety and health in order to treat and care for patients who have contracted the unfamiliar disease. The countless doctors, nurses, and additional healthcare workers who continue to fight this global pandemic while the majority of the rest of the nation is encouraged to stay home are each dealing with the unexpected situation in different ways. Though there are more unique stories and heroic frontline workers than we will ever know, it is inspirational to hear their own insights and perspectives regarding what they face on a daily basis. Barbara Edwards, a registered nurse in Gainesville, Florida, is one of the many healthcare professionals who volunteered to drop everything and travel to New York City last month to help with the rising COVID-19 cases. Edwards actually had to resign from her position in Florida in order to leave to New York, but she knew that it was something that she had to do. “What it came down to was watching the numbers every day and seeing what was going on [there]—
thousands of people dying every day,” Edwards told Ellen Degeneres via video chat on her show, Ellen. Edwards also told Ellen that
help every patient who comes in, but there are still so many unknowns.” At the end of March, Dr. Craig Spencer, an Ebola survivor and the director of global health in emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Columbia University Medical Center, posted on Twitter a detailed description of a typical day in the life of an ER doctor and encouraged his followers to retweet so that others would realize what medical professionals are facing each day during this global pandemic. “Walk in for your 8 a.m. shift: Immediately struck by how the calm of the early morning city streets is immediately transformed,” Spencer wrote. “The bright fluorescent lights of the ER reflect off everyone’s protective goggles. There is a cacophony of coughing. You stop. Mask up. Walk in.” He describes seeing patient after patient suffering from the coronavirus and having to call and notify their families that the patients are now on life support. He notes that doctors and nurses are so busy taking care of others that they sometimes forget to take
I’m not afraid of contracting the virus or even of dying ... What scares me most is how many people keep getting it and the lack of treatment and prevention we have for it. the response from residents in New York City has been uplifting and encouraging, and she and her coworkers feel a tremendous amount of love and appreciation from the entire city. A Dallas-based nurse who requested not to be mentioned by name said that it has been rather overwhelming to go to work each day and see the number of coronavirus patients continue to rise. It is not her own health that concerns her, though. “I’m not afraid of contracting the virus or even of dying,” she said. “What scares me most is how many people keep getting it and the lack of treatment and prevention we have for it. We’re doing everything we can to
see Heroes... page 14
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Legal Matters Covid-19 Emergency Exception Under TCPA By Iliana L. Peters, JD, Polsinelli, PC
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n 1991, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) was enacted to address unwanted telephone calls and faxes for marketing. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Enforcement Bureau expanded the provisions of TCPA to include limits for the use of automated text messages. Specifically, the FCC has stated that the restrictions on making “autodialed” calls to cell phones include both voice calls and texts. As such, automated calls and text messages to cell phones are subject to the requirements of TCPA. Generally, entities can send automated text messages without the prior express, written consent of the recipient only in emergency circumstances, or if such text messages are directly related to
urgent and crucial matters of health care treatment for an individual. The TCPA prohibits autodialed calls or text messages, as well as prerecorded calls, unless the caller has previously obtained the prior express consent of the recipient, or unless the calls or text messages are made for emergency purposes or subject to an FCC exemption. In most cases, “express” consent must be written. Callers have the burden of proving that they obtained express, written consent, and recipients must be able to revoke consent. First, the TCPA requirements include an exception to express consent for “exigent” messages related to health care for an individual, specifically with regard to “treatment” for the individual. Any messages relying on this exception must be “exigent” for treatment purposes; in other words, the messages must be urgent and crucial, must have a health care treatment purpose, and must comply with HIPAA (e.g., must not be of such a sensitive or personal nature that it
would violate an individual’s privacy if another person received the message). Communications regarding billing, for example, are not considered “exigent” by the FCC. These messages must be “free-to-end-user;” there should be no charge to the recipient; the caller must honor opt-out requests immediately, and the caller may initiate only one message per day or three per week. Second, prior express, written consent is not required under TCPA for messages related to “emergency purposes.” Calls or messages for “emergency purposes,” under TCPA, are those “necessary in any situation affecting the health and safety of consumers.” FCC recently issued a Declaratory Ruling regarding the COVID-19
pandemic, noting that it constitutes an “emergency” under the TCPA. In the Declaratory Ruling, the FCC stated that, for purposes of messages for “emergency purposes” related to COVID-19, two elements must particularly be considered: the identity of the caller; and the content of the call or message. Specifically, according to the FCC: • First, the caller must be from a hospital, or be a health care provider, state or local health official, or other government official as well as a person under the express direction of such an organization and acting on its behalf. see Legal Matters...page 14
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Advanced MRI Scans May Improve Treatment of Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease
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ecently developed MRI techniques used to more precisely target a small area in the brain linked to Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor may lead to better outcomes without surgery and with less risk of negative effects, a new study led by UT Southwestern researchers suggests. The study, published today in Brain, describes recently refined MRI methods designed to allow neuroradiologists to zero in on a pea-sized region in the brain’s thalamus involved in movement. Using the images, doctors then can use high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to ablate, or burn away, problem tissue, says Bhavya R. Shah, M.D., first author of the study and an assistant professor of radiology and neurological surgery at UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. “The benefit for patients is that we will be better able to target the brain structures that we want,” Shah says. “And because we’re not hitting the wrong target, we’ll have fewer adverse effects.” The procedures are already Food
and Drug Administration-approved for use in patients, and UTSW plans to begin employing them to treat patients when its Neuro High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Program opens this fall. Adverse effects from imprecise targeting include problems walking or slurring words. While such effects are usually temporary, they can be permanent in 15 to 20 percent of cases, says Dr. Shah. According to the National Institutes of Health, essential tremor affects up to 10 million Americans and Parkinson’s disease impacts more than 1 million. Both are neurologic diseases thought to have genetic links. The first line of treatment for the involuntary trembling or shaking seen with these diseases is medication. However, approximately 30 percent of patients do not respond well to drugs, according to the study. In the late 1990s, neurosurgeons began using a procedure called deep brain stimulation, opening the skull to permanently implant metal electrodes
that could then be stimulated via a battery pack. About a decade ago, a new MRI-guided procedure emerged that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to heat and eliminate a small section of the thalamus linked to the disorders. MRI-guided HIFU is currently approved for treatment of essential tremor and tremors seen in Parkinson’s disease patients. The outpatient procedure does not require opening the skull, and the patient is awake while it is performed, says Dr. Shah. “No cuts. No anesthesia. No implanted devices.” A challenge in both procedures has been locating the precise area inside the brain’s thalamus to treat – the pea-sized ventral intermediate nucleus, says Dr. Shah. Traditionally, doctors have relied on either landmarks or maps of the brain drawn from cadavers to help them pinpoint the correct location. However, every brain is different, Dr. Shah says,
and tiny errors can lead to damage in surrounding tissue, or to missing portions of the correct target. Three newly refined MRI techniques are better at delineating the target tissue, according to the study. The most widely studied and perhaps most promising imaging method is called diffusion tractography, says Dr. Shah. It creates precise brain images by taking into account the natural water movement within tissues. The other methods described are quantitative susceptibility mapping – which creates contrast in the image by detecting distortions in the magnetic field caused by substances such as iron or blood – and fast gray matter acquisition TI inversion recovery – which operates much like a photo negative, turning the brain’s white matter dark and its gray matter white in order to provide greater detail in the gray matter.
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Oncology Research Covid-19 And Cancer: Three Ways To Protect Your Health By Michael Herman, M.D., Texas Oncology– Round Rock
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s physicians, researchers, and health officials learn more about COVID-19 and its impacts, those with compromised immune systems, including many cancer patients, are learning how to protect their health in a changing world. Texas and other states have eased stay-at-home orders and many businesses are re-opening. If you’re a cancer patient or care for a cancer patient, you may be wondering how COVID-19 will continue to impact the cancer journey. Cancer patients receiving active treatment are especially vulnerable and must remain vigilant about their health. You, your caregivers, and other close contacts can take proactive measures to protect yourselves and those around you from COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Establish a ‘safety first’ mentality. Following safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is paramount. This includes washing your hands often, practicing social distancing, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and wearing face coverings. Recent studies cited by the CDC provide evidence that wearing face coverings, such as non-surgical masks and cloth face coverings, can slow the spread of the virus in public settings and further reduce community spread. As a cancer patient, safety precautions aren’t enough if those around you aren’t doing the same. The people who are important to you and want to spend time around you must also follow safety guidelines. Their safety helps maintain your safety. The same principle applies to home repairs, deliveries, and other interactions with people: anyone entering your home should adhere to safety guidelines, including wearing a face covering. And remember, call your physician if you feel sick or have new or
unusual symptoms. Communicate openly and often. Open and honest communication is essential for coping, healing, and caring for your emotional health – especially with the added stresses brought on by the COVID-19 health crisis. For example, your physician doesn’t know how you may be struggling with treatment unless you talk about it. Your loved ones may not understand why they can’t come visit you unless you talk to them about the importance of maintaining distance during treatment. Open conversations help get to the heart of the matter and let others know how they can best support you. Find new ways to cope with stress.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense changes to our lifestyles, which may trigger strong feelings including stress, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. When we might typically turn to loved ones for support, social distancing hinders the ability to connect in person. But there are ways to pull your support system together without putting anyone at risk. Connect by phone or video call regularly, and explore new ways to spend quality time, such as virtual family dinners, starting a book club, or joining a virtual support group for cancer patients. see Oncology Research...page 14
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Recovered From COVID-19? You Can Help Save Lives We Are Blood, Dell Med Issue Urgent Call for Plasma Donors
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exas’ record highs of COVID-19 cases has prompted a serious demand for plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus. Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and We Are Blood, the sole provider and protector of blood to more than 40 hospitals and medical facilities in Central Texas, are making an urgent public request for plasma donations to fight the global pandemic. “This is a potentially life-saving treatment, one of the few that we have at all to respond to COVID-19,” said Kristin Mondy, M.D., Chief of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. “The recent uptick in hospitalizations from the coronavirus means we are using up plasma faster than we can replenish it,” said Mondy, who leads the school in part of a nationwide study on plasma donated by previous COVID patients, known
as “convalescent plasma.” Area-wide hospitals are participating in the Mayo Clinic-sponsored study. “Since launching our convalescent plasma program in early April, community members have helped us send donations to over 450 COVID-19 patients,” said Nick Canedo, Vice President of Communications at We Are Blood. “We need more individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate now and help the growing number of hospital-admitted patients in our area.” If you have had a lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and have fully recovered from the coronavirus, you may qualify to donate plasma. You must have experienced no COVID-19 symptoms for at least 14 days, and meet standard eligibility criteria. If you do not have a lab-tested diagnosis, a positive result from an FDA-approved antibody test may be considered.
VA Launches COVID-19 Screening Tool Pre-Screening Expedites Veteran Access to Facilities for Care
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he U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the launching of a digital COVID-19 screening tool to streamline Veteran access to medical care during the coronavirus pandemic. The tool, designed with Veteran and staff input, enables the screening of more than 10,000 people each day. Veterans, their caregivers and VA health care employees can use this tool on their mobile phones before entering facilities. It takes less than a minute to complete and helps reduce wait times, lowers exposure risk and eases patient stress. It also helps Veterans gain confidence with increased digital interactions as part of
their VA health care experience. “This screening tool emphasizes the ongoing importance of VA’s investment in digital modernization, as it went from initial concept to national availability in less than two weeks,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “In addition to providing a broad range of innovations and improvements that
VA COVID-19 screening tool.
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Mental Health Watch Out for Signs Of Mental Illness In Teens As A Result Of Current Events By Laura Frnka-Davis UT Physicians
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he coronavirus pandemic, coupled with recent headlines of injustice, riots, racial tension, and protests, has surfaced feelings of anxiety and depression in adults, but young people are no doubt feeling the impact as well. “Mental illnesses are on the rise across the board,” said Amalia Guardiola, MD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and a pediatrician with UT Physicians. “While it’s normal for teenagers to express themselves emotionally right now with so many stressful events happening at once, it’s important to keep tabs on the situation and consult with the teen’s pediatrician if you observe different or abnormal behaviors in your adolescent.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a report indicating that visits to emergency rooms have increased substantially between 2007 and 2016, which included a 68% increase for teens between the ages of 15 and 17. There are certain signs parents can look for which may indicate an adolescent has an issue that needs to be addressed. Things, like yelling or storming out without a specific reason, a decrease in patience, and regressing in behavior, are all indications that a young person may be suffering from something beyond typical teenage moodiness. Other clues are spending too much time alone and drastic changes from being cheerful one moment to losing hope and being sad the next. Denise Ramos, LCSW, a pediatric psychotherapist with UT Physicians, also says that mental disorders can manifest in other ways, including sleep difficulties, headaches, and stomachaches. Among the mental health issues seen during this time is the rise of xenophobia – or the dislike or prejudice against people from other countries. “Because the coronavirus originated in China, Asians have become somewhat of a scapegoat, and as a result, Asians are more subject to attacks, discrimination, and possible bullying,” said Ramos. “The stigma is
creating more fear toward the Asian population than the virus itself.” Young Asian people and those who are African American may especially be feeling the impact of recent events mentally. Young people have a natural response to protect themselves and may socially isolate, which can lead to depression, increased levels of distress, and risk of self-harm. “As much as parents want to ensure their children’s mental health needs are being met, they themselves are processing this distress and may not be able to properly address these mental health issues we are seeing
right now,” said Ramos. “We work with a multidisciplinary team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychologist, social workers, and nurses who are ready to help.” Ramos and Guardiola both suggest calling your pediatrician right away if you think your teen may be suffering from a mental health disorder. In-person and telehealth appointments are currently available. In addition to making an appointment with a health care professional, Ramos and Guardiola suggest these tips: • Take a break from reading or listening to the news as well as social media. • Take time to engage in distraction-related activities. • Connect with other teens who may be experiencing the same concerns. They must understand they are not alone in their fear, and they know there are people who care about them and who want to help. • Take advantage of local resources, such as Houston’s Crisis Intervention Hotline. If you feel like your child may need additional assistance, you can reach out to UT Physicians at 888-4UT-DOCS to schedule an appointment with a member of our care team.
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Healthy Heart Analysis of EMS And Hospital Data Indicates Low COVID Infection Risk From Bystander CPR By The American Heart Association
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nalysis of Seattle emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital data from January 1 to April 15, 2020, indicates bystander CPR is a lifesaving endeavor whose benefits outweigh the risks of COVID-19 infection, according to a new article published June 4, 2020, in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation. Resuscitation of patients in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) depends on rapid, coordinated efforts involving laypersons, telecommunicators, prehospital professionals, and hospital providers. However, during the pandemic, experts have questioned whether chest compressions are a high-risk “aerosolizing” procedure that could increase the risk of COVID-19 infection, especially since bystander CPR is typically provided for only a few minutes. InaResearchLettertitled“Prevalence of COVID-19 in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Implications for Bystander CPR,” University of Washington EMS physicians and researchers in Seattle and King County, Washington, analyzed EMS
and hospital treatment data, and death certificates of all OHCAs to estimate the frequency of COVID-19 infection among the total out-of-hospital cardiac arrest population served. From January 1 to April 15, EMS responded to 1,067 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of which 478 were treated by EMS with CPR. During the active period of COVID-19 (February 26-April 15), EMS responded to 537 (50.3%) out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, of which 230 (48.1%) were EMS treated with CPR. The researchers note, as of April 15: • The community had 15 deaths per 100,000 population from COVID-19, higher than 42 other states at that time. • COVID-19 was diagnosed in less than 10% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. • Assuming the risk of transmission to bystanders performing hands-only CPR without PPE [personal protective equipment] is 10%, treating 100 patients could result in 1 bystander infection (10% with COVID-19 x 10% transmission). • Given a 1% mortality for COVID-19,
approximately 1 rescuer might die in 10,000 bystander CPR events. • By comparison, bystander CPR saves more than 300 additional lives among 10,000 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. “We believe the current findings support telecommunicators and bystanders maintaining the most efficient approach that prioritizes rapid identification of cardiac arrest and immediately proceeds to chest compressions and use of a defibrillator,” the authors write. “Delaying bystander CPR to [put on personal protective equipment] should only be considered when the prevalence of COVID-19 infection is substantially increased.”
Houston’s Public Health Authority and EMS medical director Dr. David Persse added, “Performing bystander CPR generally more than doubles a person’s chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The person you are most likely to perform CPR upon is a family member. Research has shown one’s chances of contracting COVID disease while performing CPR is about 1 in 100, and the chance of becoming seriously ill is estimated to be less than one in one thousand. The extra added risk of contracting COVID and becoming seriously ill is very low, while the chance of saving one’s life is comparatively very high.”
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Baylor Scott & White Health Launches COVID-19 Safe Care
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s Baylor Scott & White resumes scheduling surgeries and procedures and begins reopening care sites, it announces new preventive measures and innovative offerings designed to protect its patients and team members across the state. “It is important patients and their families understand how we are creating COVID-19 Safe Care environments; and it is important patients do not continue delaying healthcare,” said Alex Arroliga, MD, chief medical officer, Baylor Scott & White Health. “With the help of our trusted physicians, nurses and operators, advice from national experts and by following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we have developed a plan to safely resume additional services in our communities,” said Dr. Arroliga. Baylor Scott & White’s Safe Care plan includes: • COVID-19 testing of patients
•
•
• •
•
deemed appropriate through individual case review prior to in-hospital surgeries; patient swabs collected via convenient drive-thru locations Virtual waiting rooms, allowing clinic patients and loved ones of hospital or surgery center patients to receive updates about their care via calls and text messaging, minimizing time in common areas Virtual care options provided to patients before and after surgeries and procedures when appropriate, simplifying the experience Masking of patients, approved visitors and staff in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics Enhanced cleaning and touch-free protocols in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics, including UV-light disinfection and paperless registration COVID-19 home monitoring digital care journey, enabled
Health system leads in implementation of measures, including COVID-19 testing prior to scheduled surgeries, virtual waiting rooms and at-home digital care options
through the MyBSWHealth app or website, to be offered to those diagnosed with COVID-19 so they can be supported by our care teams while quarantined “Patients should feel confident seeking our healthcare services,” said Dr. Arroliga.
“We have been safely providing emergent care for weeks while remaining prepared for influxes of COVID-19 patients; and now, we are well positioned to resume scheduled procedures, screenings and visits, helping those we serve avoid the unintended consequences of postponing healthcare.”
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Age Well, Live Well Oral Health Affects the Rest of Your Body By Chelsea Couch, CHES Texas Health and Human Services
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ral health and hygiene is important for your mouth, teeth, gums, overall well-being, and can significantly impact your quality of life. Only 60 percent of Texans 65 and older report they visited a dentist in the past year. Over 32 percent report missing six or more teeth. Poor oral health can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. As we age, it is important to have a daily routine for oral hygiene. Regular preventive care by a dental provider is key to maintaining oral health. Dental providers look for tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and signs of chronic disease. Things to consider for a healthy mouth: • Brush Twice A Day Brushing your teeth twice a day dramatically affects the health of your mouth. If conditions like arthritis make it difficult to brush, try a
toothbrush with a larger handle or a battery-powered one. • Floss Daily Use floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day. Flossers (floss on a stick) can be easier to hold and maneuver rather than string floss. It can help prevent bacteria buildup that contributes to development of certain oral diseases. Bleeding while brushing or flossing is not normal and can be an early sign of
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gum disease and certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, contact your dental provider. • Nutrition Eating nutritious food is important for your oral health. Sugary and acidic foods can feed bacteria in your mouth and weaken tooth enamel. • Drink Water for Dry Mouth Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help relieve dry mouth. Bacteria thrive in a dry environment and the risk of tooth decay increases. If you use a lozenge, gum, candy or mints, make sure they are sugar-free. • Don’t Delay If you have a tooth
bothering you, don’t delay getting it examined. Putting off treatment can make the issue worse and can be more expensive to treat later. Dental insurance can be costly, and programs like Medicaid and Medicare often have limited or no dental coverage for adults. Transportation and assistance to appointments can also be a barrier in receiving timely oral health care. If you need help, your local Aging and Disability Resource Center can connect you to available assistance in your area. To find your ADRC, call 855-937-2372. To learn more on oral health, visit dshs.texas.gov/dental.
HELP US BUILD A HEALTHIER AUSTIN
Access to nutritious food is essential for a healthy, thriving community. Learn about how we’re leading the fight against hunger at centraltexasfoodbank.org.
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Heroes
Continued from page 1 complete care of themselves. “Sometime in the afternoon you recognize you haven’t drank any water,” he continued. “You’re afraid to take off the mask. It’s the only thing that protects you. Surely you can last a little longer—in West Africa during Ebola, you spent hours in a hot suit without water. One more patient.”
Spencer’s detailed account depicts how dangerous the conditions are for healthcare professionals but how thorough and fearless they are in caring for those battling this unexpected and unknown illness. While scientist and medical experts continue to seek vaccines, treatments, and contributions to
help society get somewhat back to “normal,” it is important to recognize how valuable those in the healthcare industry are—something that should not take a global pandemic for such accolades to occur.
Web Development Lorenzo Morales
Continued from page 3 to inform and update the public regarding measures to address the current pandemic made on behalf of, and at the express direction of, a health care provider. • A call made by a county official informing citizens of shelter-in-place requirements, quarantines, medically administered testing information, or school closures necessitated by the national emergency would be made for an emergency purpose as such measures are designed to inhibit the spread of the disease. Not Permitted by COVID-19 Emergency Exception: • A call that contain advertising or telemarketing of services do not constitute calls made for
an “emergency purpose” (e.g., advertising a commercial grocery delivery service, or selling or promoting health insurance, cleaning services, or home test kits). • A calls made to collect debt, even if such debt arises from related health care treatment, are not made for an “emergency purpose,” As a result, communications to individuals without express written consent under the TCPA should be limited to those specifically related to their treatment by health care providers, and those related specifically to COVID-19 issues identified by health care providers and for public health purposes.
Oncology Research Continued from page 6
Just as every cancer patient’s journey is unique, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to fighting cancer amid COVID-19. Focus on what you can control, and in every situation consider steps you should take to decrease risk of exposure to the virus for
yourself and others. Navigating life during a global pandemic is challenging, but it doesn’t have to further compromise your health or your quality of life. At Texas Oncology, our physicians and care teams are committed to helping patients
navigate the path forward no matter where they are in their cancer journey – and proud to celebrate the courage it takes to keep moving forward.
uses the information received to direct people to either enter the building or go to a designated area for additional screening. Veterans, caregivers and staff can use the tool by texting the word “SCREEN” to 53079 or scan a dedicated QR code with their mobile
phone to get a link to the tool. They then answer a series of simple questions and share their results at the VA facility entrance.
VA Screening
Continued from page 8 significantly benefit the Veterans we serve; our culture of innovation allows us to respond quickly to urgent and evolving needs.” To protect patients and staff, VA screens everyone for coronavirus symptoms and exposure each time they enter a health facility. VA staff
July 2020
Director of Media Sales Richard W DeLaRosa Senior Designer Jamie Farquhar-Rizzo
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• Second, the content of the call must be solely informational, made necessary because of the COVID-19 outbreak, and directly related to the imminent health or safety risk arising out of the COVID-19 outbreak. The FCC also gave several important examples of communications permitted and not permitted under the exception for COVID-19: Permitted by COVID-19 Emergency Exception: • A call made by a hospital providing vital and time-sensitive health and safety information that citizens welcome, expect, and rely upon to make decisions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease. • An informational call designed
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Austin Medical Times
Page 15
COVID-19 and Adult CPR If an adult’s heart stops and you’re worried that they may have COVID-19, you can still help by performing Hands-Only CPR.
Step 1
Phone 9-1-1 and get an AED.
Step 2
Cover your own mouth and nose with a face mask or cloth.
Cover the person’s mouth and nose with a face mask or cloth.
Step 3
Step 4
Perform Hands-Only CPR.
Use an AED as soon as it is available.
Push hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
KJ-1424 4/20 © 2020 American Heart Association
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July 2020
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