York County Medicine Fall 2020 - 13

YO R K C O M E D S O C . O R G

Restoring Quality of Life
risk group (over age 70) stopped volunteering during the "Stay
at Home" order. Two have since returned. Two employees who
were in paramedic school had their programs shut down and have
not been able to complete their certification. Having qualified
personnel in the pipeline to fill positions has dwindled during
the pandemic. Contingency plans were developed in case staff
and leadership became infected. Southern York EMS is extremely
fortunate in that no providers have become infected.
A watchful eye has been kept on the income stream. EMS only
gets paid by insurance if the patient is transported. During the
"Stay at Home" order, the number of transports decreased sharply.
Southern York EMS was able to get some CARES act funding
but has had one other grant opportunity rejected. Other grant
opportunities are actively being pursued.
The pandemic has also caused suspension of projects that were
in development. Southern York EMS has been approved for a pilot
program to study the feasibility of pre-hospital ultrasound. This
project stopped due to the inability to get additional approvals
during the pandemic. A community paramedicine program was
also in development and was halted for approvals. We hope these
projects will be back in development shortly.

Long-Term Effects
The pandemic may have long-term effects on EMS. The use
of PPE and symptom screening will continue to be used until
EMS providers can be sure they are protected from transmission.
Heightened disinfection will also remain for a long time.
Reimbursement models and changes to funding remain an
unknown for EMS agencies. EMS is chronically underfunded
and poorly reimbursed. Hopefully, our elected officials will have
a heightened awareness of the needs of EMS from being at the
forefront with other healthcare workers during the pandemic.

To refer a patient please
call or visit online.

717.428.8100

mvsdoctors.com
Pennsylvania's Specialist

in Artery and Vein Health
MVS has 15 Vascular Labs and 4
State-of-the -Art Endovascular Outpatient
Centers to ensure your patients receive
quality care close to home.
Our multi-disciplinary team of skilled
providers will partner with you to ensure
your patients receive comprehensive care
for revascularization and wound care.
MVS is preferred by most major
insurances and keeps out of pocket
expenses low by not charging additional
facility fees.

Diagnosis / Treatments

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Venous Insuﬃciency Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Renal Vascular Disease
Mesenteric Artery lschemia

York Oﬃce:

Another uncertainty is mental health. EMS providers had a
higher rate of depression and post-traumatic stress compared to the
general population before the pandemic. No one knows the longterm effects of dealing with increased risk and fear on a daily basis.
Southern York EMS provides an Employee Assistance Program
and has access to mental health resources.
Southern York EMS hopes that by implementing safe
practices, being on the forefront of emerging healthcare issues, and
establishing collaborative partnerships, we can become a stronger
organization in the era of Covid-19.

2350 Freedom Way
Ste 253
York, PA 17402
717.428.8100

Jose R. Parra, M.D.

Hanover Oﬃce:

250 Fame Avenue
Ste 204

Hanover, PA 17331
717.316.0900

FALL 2020 | York County Medicine

http://www.YORKCOMEDSOC.ORG http://www.mvsdoctors.com

York County Medicine Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of York County Medicine Fall 2020