The Howard County Ambulance Service responded to 24 calls related to COVID-19 during the final two months of 2020. The frequency has contributed to the difficulty in securing enough masks for emergency medical service personnel. 

Because of this, the district was able to purchase 10 new high-tech masks. At a cost of $98,000, the reusable CleanSpace Halo masks were paid for by funds provided to the county through the CARES Act.

The masks provide positive air pressure for up to nine hours at a time. The air is cleaned by HEPA filters, which can be replaced when needed.

Rural EMS has been largely ignored by the state government with regard to COVID-19 vaccinations. Guidelines have favored urban first responders, even though rural EMS personnel are often confined with infected patients for longer durations. “It’s not likely that the Howard County Ambulance will be getting vaccines any time soon,” said district supervisor Frank Flaspohler.

The Howard County Ambulance District had a total of 102 emergency responses and 11 scheduled transfers in November. This total includes 67 medical emergencies that were transported to hospitals. In December, the district had 96 emergency responses and eight scheduled transfers

Thirteen of the calls in November, and 11 in December, were COVID-19 related. 

There were 35 calls on which no one was transported and no one was billed. These are calls where the patient refused transport against medical advice or where no care was needed.