An EHS ambulance outside of South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, NS. Photo: Evan Taylor
The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has confirmed EHS paramedics have been asked to hang on to used valve bag masks.
Dr. Robert Strang said during Tuesday’s COVID-19 briefing that the move comes in response to a possible supply shortage.
“It’s still early but I know they, (EHS) are looking into reusing those bags as their supplier warned them of a possible shortage,” Strang said.
In an email leaked last week, EHS outlined the request being made of their paramedics, but Strang’s recognition was the first official confirmation.
“The masks will not be immediately released back into the field,” the email read.
“We will continue researching and testing to determine the safest practice and operational guidelines.”
The masks are an important part of the equipment paramedics rely on. They are used as a respiratory aid for people who need assistance breathing, and COVID-19 has increased the demand for them.
Valve bag masks consist of a mask that forms a seal around a persons mouth, with a plastic valve and a pump that is squeezed to help circulate air into a patient’s lungs. The simple design means it can be used quickly and transported easily.
Some models of valve bag masks also have connections that allow for an oxygen tank to be connected for added respiratory treatment.
Typically they are disposed of after each use to prevent the spread of illnesses.
EHS has not released any information on how many valve bag masks they currently have or need.
