Peel paramedic servicing Mississauga contracts COVID-19

A paramedic who services Brampton and Mississauga has tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to the virus while at work, according to the Region of Peel.

The exposure reportedly happened when the paramedic and their partner responded to a motor vehicle collision.

“They followed all procedures as the patient was transported to hospital”, said the region in an official news release. “Both paramedics were put in isolation and no other patients, paramedics or staff were exposed Only one of the paramedics has tested positive and shown symptoms.”

Peel Paramedics have taken several steps to protect paramedics from exposure to COVID-19 while on calls; including asking bystanders and family members to leave the treatment area or provide them with a mask if they need to be there.

In addition, no family members can be transported in the ambulance with a patient, unless they are an unaccompanied minor, and no bags or personal belongings from the patient are allowed inside.

“Thankfully, our paramedic is OK right now,” said Peter Dundas, Chief of Peel Paramedics.

“At the time of the call, the medical direction was to only use PPE on calls dispatched with a positive COVID-19 screen. Last week, we took extra steps to protect our teams and they now wear masks and eye protection, in addition to gloves, for all calls.”

Since Jan 15, there have been 4,038 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. 1,449 cases have been resolved and 119 have resulted in death.