The ambulances that get into accidents are taken out of operation first. Then, the ambulances that are taken to get fixed next get replacements. The ambulances from the reserve are then put into operation. The director of the Yerevan Ambulance Service, Taguhi Stepanyan, spoke about this at the government press club.
From March until May 6th, 2,333 patients were taken to the hospital in an ambulance for being suspected of having the coronavirus. “They were patients who had symptoms similar to those of severe respiratory illnesses and pneumonia.”
Stepanyan said that the emergency employees are all provided with the appropriate clothing, masks, and other supplies.
As far as whether or not there were cases where emergency employees refused to work with people who had the coronavirus, Stepanyan said that there were, but they approached the situation with understanding. “There especially were doctors who were older than 50-60. We supported every doctor, nurse, and ambulance driver who did not wish to work in these conditions. Some of them took a vacation. We have a large army of employees who are not scared of the situation at all and they are prepared to work. They ask to work every day.”
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According to Stepanyan, the people who call the ambulance the most are those with cardiovascular disease, then those with severe respiratory illnesses, and then those with injuries. This year, there were more people who called with respiratory illnesses in the winter, which took place due to the spread of the flu. “Last year, 800-850 people called the ambulance with respiratory illnesses, but we did not have what we have now for 2 or 3 years. The number increased from 650 to 700-750.”
Nelly Babayan
