Fisher-Titus is preparing for the worst-case scenario

NORWALK — As hospitals in New York City are overwhelmed with patients suffering from COVID-19, Fisher-Titus is preparing for the worst-case scenario. "The emergency department has a dedicated unit with eight private rooms for patients exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or sore throat. This unit also has a separate waiting room to isolate these patients from the main emergency department and waiting area," said Jordan Manlet, emergency department manager. "If patients require additional monitoring and/or treatment they will be directed to a room in the main emergency department. In this circumstance, the door is closed, a stop sign is placed on the door and special isolation measures are activated." Manlet said all staff members will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) while performing their assessment or providing care. The emergency department is utilizing a two-step screening process for patients experiencing symptoms. The first stage uses a screening tool that follows an algorithm set by the Ohio Department of Health, asking questions to determine the need for COVID-19 testing and a questionnaire. "(The) patient is asked if they have recently had or currently have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or sore throat," Manlet said. This screening is then followed by a "nurse triage," Manlet said. The patient is asked again if they have any symptoms. Another scenario for being sent to Fisher-Titus for COVID-19 is if the patient is sent to the emergency department by their primary care provider, he said. "(The) primary care provider notifies emergency department staff that they are sending a patient for further evaluation," Manlet said. "The patient is directed to park in designated parking spots and call upon arrival." Manlet said a nurse, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, will meet the patient at their car and bring them into the dedicated unit through a rear entrance. "This process mitigates the risk of exposure for patients in the main emergency department waiting area," he said. In addition to Fisher-Titus, Firelands Regional Health System is working to prepare for the anticipated coronavirus surge. In order to handle a large number of patients at a time, Firelands will be setting up tents around the main campus. This tent system will help to alleviate the flow during an influx of patients in a potential surge. Hospital staff will use the tent system in order to triage patients through the emergency room in an efficient manner so they may be treated appropriately. There is no need for alarm if the public see tents around Firelands main campus as this is a precautionary measure. Firelands said their staff is working around the clock to prepare for COVID-19 as it enters the community. The outpouring of support from the surrounding community has been overwhelmingly positive. Also, as the situation evolves, Firelands will continue to work closely with the Erie County Health Department and release updated information as the situation develops. Melanie Myers, Huron County Public Health (HCPH) public information officer, said there is not an accurate count of negative COVID-19 test results. "HCPH is unable to report an accurate count of negative COVID-19 test results in Huron County as providers are not required to report individuals being tested for COVID-19," Myers said. "As of March 25, the Ohio Department of Health estimated that there were 14,764 tests conducted in Ohio."