Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services

Temperatures are on the rise this weekend. Cooling centers are open today, Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. You can search for a cooling center nearest you at https://bit.ly/hotweathersafetytips.

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This week is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Santa Clara County. The week celebrates EMS professionals and the important work they do. Please take a moment to thank an EMS professional this week!

Melanie S., Director of Pediatric Trauma & the Hospital Outreach Program (HOP) at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford received the County of Santa Clara EMS Agency Challenge coin on Friday April 16th, 2021. The County of Santa Clara EMS Agency would like to present Melanie with a challenge coin in recognition of her contributions to the County of Santa Clara EMS & trauma system. Melanie always goes above and beyond for her team. She’s never afraid to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions to improve the lives of the trauma patients we serve. Congratulations and thank you for all you do, Melanie! The Challenge Coin was presented by Falko S., Specialty Programs Nurse Coordinator for the County of Santa Clara EMS Agency.

Exciting continuing education opportunity, which includes a video simulation, and live discussion. Please see the flyer for details. Link to sign-up https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview

Questions about the COVID-19 vaccines? Find answers at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

There has been some debate about one brand of COVID-19 vaccine over another. But it is tough to compare because they have not been studied head-to-head. Learn more about vaccines on the state’s COVID-19 website but know that all three vaccines are free, safe, and effective in fighting COVID-19. As Dr. Fauci said - take the first vaccine you can get.

Continuing education opportunity is available by attending the 2021 EMSAAC conference. Please see the attached brochure for more information.

The Bay Area Health Officers fully support all three vaccines for COVID-19. All three are safe and nearly 100% effective at preventing deaths from COVID-19. When it is your turn, please take the vaccine you can get. A bonus these vaccines are free!

Our Valley Homeless Healthcare Program (VHHP) took the lead in vaccinating unhoused people in Santa Clara County. VHHP is bringing COVID-19 vaccines to people living outside and in temporary shelters. Read more about their work at https://sanjosespotlight.com/how-santa-clara-county-is-vac/

Some people are going to Emergency Departments for a COVID-19 test when they do not have symptoms or any emergency medical issue. Please do not do that. Emergency Departments are for people who need emergency care and we have a lot going on right now. You can go to www.sccfreetest.org or call 211 for information about where to get a COVID-19 test. Help us out, get a test at one of these locations.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season! Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services, Music: Capital Kings "Carol of Bells"

New Training Opportunity - Burns - Patient Assessment, and Treatment. Link to sign-up is on the County of Santa Clara EMS Agency website, through the training calendar. You will need Microsoft Teams to access the training. emsagency.sccgov.org/

Every monster needs a mask this Halloween. Consider incorporating a cloth mask into your costume to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep in mind, doubling up on a costume mask and cloth face mask can make it hard to breathe so choose the one that will best protect you and your loved ones. More info: http://ow.ly/mUyM50BMEV3

If you or a loved one is feeling depressed, in a crisis or having suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. We are here to help.

Some people are more likely to have serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Learn who is at high risk for flu-related complications here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm

Gyms can increase capacity under the State and local orders. Please help keep them safe by wearing your mask, keeping socially distant and following the safety precautions.

Santa Clara County has met the state thresholds to allow us to move into the Orange Tier. To keep dining available and safe, wear a mask before and after your meal, whenever you leave your table, and whenever a server approaches your table. Limit exposure to people outside your household and stay at least 6-feet apart from others.

It is ShakeOut Day! Inspire someone to prepare, survive and recover? Learn more about earthquake readiness at https://www.shakeout.org/

Are you ready to ShakeOut? We are! ShakeOut Day is October 15th at 10:15 a.m. Make sure to register yourself or your organization and be counted among the millions participating. Go to www.ShakeOut.org/register.

In response to the wildfires raging across the state, Covered California has announced a new category for special enrollment. You can now apply for health insurance outside of open enrollment if you have been affected by wildfires. Learn more at https://www.coveredca.com//getting-cov/special-enrollment/