We have heard from our healthcare partners that patients are delaying care and ending up in the hospital or ER due to a lack of transportation to important appointments such as dialysis. With that in mind, Onward has developed a protocol for transporting COVID+ patients. Select drivers may opt in to training to transport this rider population.
The high level protocol for the drivers who have opted into this program is as follows:
Before the ride - Gather Supplies and Don PPE
Ensure you have all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), rider comfort items, and cleaning supplies.
N95
KN95 for the rider
Gloves
Rider blanket
Cavicide (cleaning spray)
Rubbing Alcohol or Disinfectant
Trash bags
Once you've arrived at the pick up location and before making contact with your rider, don all necessary PPE following the donning protocol.
During the ride
Use gloves when helping the rider into and out of the vehicle and if folding walkers and wheelchairs.
Best case scenario (When weather and driving conditions permit)
Keep all 4 windows open
Sit on opposite sides of the car, keep your N95 mask over your nose and mouth for the entire ride, and ensure the patient wears their KN95.
Next best scenario (When weather and driving conditions are less than optimal)
Keep 2 windows open - Ideally the front right and left rear – to maximize the fresh air flow
Sit on opposite sides of the car, keep your N95 mask over your nose and mouth for the entire ride, and ensure the patient wears their KN95.
Considerations
Keep your distance as much as possible
Leave the front seat empty at all times
Use proper PPE if handling the rider’s belongings
Exiting the vehicle
Continue using your PPE (gloves, N95, and rider’s mask)
Ask rider to stay in vehicle during walker or wheelchair configuration
Should your passenger need assistance exiting the vehicle, provide an appropriate level of assistance.
After the ride - Before driving away, be sure to complete the following
Continue using your PPE
Cleaning your vehicle
Open all 4 windows and doors in order to air out your car.
Wear gloves while disinfecting high touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, seat belt buckles, window buttons, trunk, etc.) with alcohol wipes.
Use disinfectant spray to sanitize other areas of the vehicle.
Dispose of cleaning material and PPE using the provided trash bags.
After disinfection and disposal of potentially contaminated items, be sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.