Paramedics and pneumonia associated with COVID 19

Paramedics are at the frontline of healthcare delivery and this includes during the current coronavirus pandemic. This pandemic poses specific problems for paramedics, which include not only treating and transporting infected patients, but also issues around decontamination and disinfection of ambulances and medical equipment. Of particular concern is the pneumonia associated with the 2019 novel coronavirus. Data on COVID-19 pneumonia are developing. Ongoing research demonstrates that almost all serious consequences of COVID-19 feature pneumonia, especially in older people and those with comorbidities. Paramedics can have a profound effect on the care of patients with pneumonia. Effective management of COVID-19 pneumonia by the paramedic should centre around prompt recognition, early administration of oxygen and intravenous fluids and transfer to hospital. In some situations, paramedics may need to be involved in the delivery and maintenance of airway adjuncts in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.