Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Program
Partnering with NJ Mobile Healthcare, the testing and the new ambulances expand community emergency services
(Paramus, NJ) The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Emergency Medical Service (EMS) program has added two new ambulances to its fleet. At a ribbon cutting ceremony debuting the vehicles, it was also announced that COVID-19 antigen testing can now be conducted in the field using the Clip COVID Rapid Antigen Test. The Clip COVID Rapid Antigen Test, the most portable automated reader antigen test on the market, is approved for use through an FDA Emergency Use Authorization. The reader provides automated analysis thus reducing user errors from misreading test results in the field.
“Today was another great day in our efforts to provide increased emergency care to our communities. We added two more ambulances to our fleet and we can now rapidly identify suspected COVID-19 patients in the field to ensure a safe and timely referral to the emergency room when necessary,” said Bergen New Bridge President and CEO, Deborah Visconi. She noted, “Our EMS team is trained in COVID-19 sample collection and processing in the field resulting in quicker evaluation and transfer of patients to the appropriate level of care. This is just another way we are leading the fight against the virus and utilizing the latest science and technology to provide the highest levels of care for our communities.”
The two newest ambulances are forward looking additions to the Bergen New Bridge EMS fleet comprising the latest technology in safety and ergonomics. Designed with transporting patients contaminated by pathogens or hazardous materials in mind, these units have fully isolated modules with air filtration systems separate from the cabin. They also have additional storage capacity for medical supplies and personal protective equipment that can be isolated from the patient compartments. Safety continues to be important for our fleet, and these ambulances are equipped with GPS, active feedback driver behavior monitoring, drive cameras and an audio-visual monitor system so the driver and attendant can stay in communication. Additionally, these ambulances are equipped with a lateral-load oxygen system that is designed to ease lifting and loading and combat back injury for providers. The cabin seating was also modified to provide additional legroom for providers.
“We are excited for the addition of these two ambulances, and the field testing, as both of these things will allow us to continue to expand the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center EMS Program, which provides high quality pre-hospital care to communities throughout Bergen County,” said Louis Greco, CEO of NJ Mobile Healthcare.
The Clip COVID Rapid Antigen Test is available on all Bergen New Bridge Medical Center ambulances, including the two newest rigs, and can be used for any of the 911 responses when a COVID-19 infection is suspected. The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center EMS program provides 911 response to 22 municipalities and multiple healthcare facilities.
