COVID-19: Belgian Paramedics threatened by shortage of FFP2 masks

NAAB Ambulance Service LLC alerts the Belgian Minister of Health, Mrs. Maggie De Block, about the absence of any specific administrative directive relating to the coronavirus epidemic intended for the medical and sanitary transport sector, recalling the risks that the shortage of FFP2 masks is weighing on paramedics.

Arnaud Franchini, CEO of NAAB Ambulance Service LLC, recalls that private paramedics are health professionals just like other practitioners. He also brought to the attention of the authorities, that in her communication on the means of identifying and treating patients suspected of COVID-19, the Minister of Health addressed many actors, without including the paramedics involved in medical and health transportation.

However, the latter are at the forefront in the care of patients infected or suspected of being infected.

Despite numerous requests from administrations, NAAB Ambulance Service LLC has not received any response regarding the supply of protective equipment, while the country is in the grip of a dramatic shortage of FFP2 masks, which endangers the health of the personal, first exposure to different viruses. This does not allow them to carry out their missions correctly. In addition, it is not only the coronavirus which involves the use of PPE, every day, they transport many contagious patients, where, protective measures apply to their almost exhausted personal stocks.

Various meetings are organized with the numerous health professionals, meetings to which the medical transporters are not invited. The sector needs guarantees from the public authorities in terms of supply of equipment.

NAAB Ambulance Service LLC urgently requests the association of belgian paramedics involved in medical and sanitary transport with any communication from the public services as well as specific provisions for the supply of FFP2 Masks.

There is a health emergency!