At the July 23 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn and Resort, Rotarian Mike Markovitz, President and Chief of the Tunkhannock Community Ambulance Association (TCAA) was the speaker. Mike gave a short history of the TCAA, outlined its current capabilities and primary service areas.
Mike then spoke about the challenges faced by the 8 ambulance associations serving Wyoming County due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks and gloves are required for all ambulance staff on call-out and more draconian garb is required if the patient has any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including N95 masks, disposable gowns/coveralls, shields and double gloves. The Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is expensive, especially when all ambulance staff must wear them during their run, and was not considered in any of their budgets for 2020.