FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2020

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency Expands Scope for Paramedics to Assist with Delivery of Non-IV Medications in Stationary Care Sites to Aid in the Prevention and Spread of COVID-19

LOS ANGELES – California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in response to the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. The emergency declaration provided the Medical Director of the Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMS) the authority to seek approval from the state for expansion of local optional scope of practice for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Advanced EMTs (AEMT), and paramedics in order to aid in the prevention and spread and treatment of the virus.

The expanded procedures performed by EMTs and paramedics will be supervised locally by nurses, nurse practitioners or physicians, and provide additional personnel to facilities severely impacted by COVID-19.

“The expanded scope of practice allows EMTs or paramedics within Los Angeles County to provide staff support to some of our most vulnerable populations, such as skilled nursing facilities or the homeless in alternate care sites,” says Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill, Medical Director, Los Angeles County EMS Agency.

Benefits and advantages of added scope:

• EMT assisted administration of prescription oral medications
• Paramedic facilitated phlebotomy
• Paramedic dispensing of prescribed medications from bubble packs and/or multidose containers
• Paramedic administration of ocular medications
• Paramedic administration of transdermal medications
• Paramedic administration of inhaled medications
• Paramedic administration of intravenous medications
• Paramedic administration of intramuscular medications
• Paramedic administration of subcutaneous injection medications

This expanded scope of paramedic practice will help alleviate strain on congregate settings during this pandemic and supports the unanimous vote on April 28, 2020 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors calling for comprehensive measures to strengthen protections for residents and staff at skilled nursing homes, among other congregate settings, who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

About EMS

The Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency serves as the lead agency for the emergency medical services system in the County and is responsible for coordinating all system participants in its jurisdiction, encompassing both public and private sectors. In California, counties have been given the primary responsibility for assuring that EMS systems are developed and implemented and for designating a local EMS agency. The EMS Agency is actively involved in the disaster response and coordinates with regional and state partners to ensure the safety of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Los Angeles County has one of the largest EMS systems in the nation and, as one of the first to be developed, is known nationally and worldwide as a leader in the field of prehospital care. The system utilizes over 18,000 certified EMS personnel employed by fire departments, law enforcement, ambulance companies, hospitals and private organizations to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Media Contact:
Rochessa Washington
media@dhs.lacounty.gov
562-441-8864