Disclaimer first- I'm exploring data, so don't read into this as any confirmation or expert info. I'm looking at our rates of cardiac arrests in #EMS during #COVID19 More codes = more supplies, fatigued staff, time delays, resource use, etc so that's why I'm researching it now.

Our pattern is typically up Q1 and Q4, down Q2 and Q3. This report shows we are higher Q1 2020 than in years past (I can look back 5 years, the attached report only shows since 2018). So I want to know, are these all COVID-related deaths or a fluke? (Spoiler: Can't tell!)

Here is why it's hard- March has by far been busier. 14 arrests vs 6 in 2019. Many are presenting the same- intubations have pink frothy sputum, PEA / asystole rhythms. However, family can't confirm recent illness/fever, no obvious COVID+ screen, no postmortem testing.

Another factor that may cause variance is the ? "Are more people ignoring their serious medical problems to avoid going to a hospital?" which I have no way of answering. If they got early help, would they have coded? A higher rate can both directly/indirectly be caused by COVID

It can also be a fluke- the only thing I can concretely prove is that we are responding to more codes since COVID arrived in PA. Over the past few days we saw a spike in breathing problems. Confirmed + patients we've treated have had a mix of symptoms, including just weakness

So in conclusion, stay at home, wash your hands, assume you are a spreader and wear a mask/avoid contact with people outside your family. The virus is here in Cumberland, we've treated it, and we still have a lot of work to do to respond, mitigate, and recover from it