We would like to provide you with some information regarding the novel coronavirus that’s been in the news recently. This is an emerging and quickly changing situation so we are sharing what we have learned to date from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC to provide you with the best care possible. First a couple of facts, as of January 30 there have been no cases in Iowa. When you come to Orange City Area Health System, we will be asking you two screening questions regarding possible travel to China and if you are having any respiratory symptoms. The CDC and IPDH are recommending this screening for all health care facilities. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a coronavirus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Infections with 2019-nCoV also are being reported in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States. It is important to understand that there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans.

• Four of the seven coronaviruses are very common, more mild (similar to the common cold), and most people will be infected with at least one of them in their lifetime. Healthcare providers test for these common coronaviruses routinely, and no public health measures are needed to address these common coronaviruses. People infected with the common coronaviruses can avoid passing them to others by covering their coughs and sneezes, cleaning their hands frequently and containing germs by staying home when ill.
• Three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe illness; this includes the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Testing for this virus can only be done at CDC; healthcare providers are not able to test for this virus locally.

CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning: All nonessential travel to China should be avoided.

• In addition, federal officials are monitoring air travelers with symptoms compatible with 2019-nCoV infection and a travel connection with China, and are referring them to healthcare for further assessment.

Both IDPH and the CDC are saying the risk to the general public remains low at this time. Your risk of getting the infection is directly related to your exposure. The vast majority of people in the US and Iowa have not had recent travel to China where the transmission is occurring, nor have they had close personal contact with someone who has the virus. For the general public, no additional precautions are recommended at this time beyond the simple daily precautions that everyone should always take. Right now influenza is a much more significant threat to Iowans. Protect yourself from the flu:

• It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine
• If you are sick, stay home
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wash your hand frequently with soap and water

If you traveled to China or know you have been exposed to someone that may have this virus and you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing you should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a healthcare office, call ahead and tell them about your travel and your symptoms.

If you have any questions, please contact your health care provider.[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.21.4″ z_index_tablet=”500″ custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px”]

Iowa State Bank presented a check for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new ambulance for Orange City Area Health System, bringing total fundraising to over $155,000. The health system’s new ambulance, which is expected to be delivered and put into service late summer 2020, will cost approximately $225,000.

“We are grateful for partners like Iowa State Bank for coming alongside us in this ambulance campaign,” stated Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “With the assistance of many, including other major contributors (listed below), we were able to secure necessary funding that not only validates the value placed on emergency medical services, but also the paramedics and EMTs that deliver that care to the region.”

Other organizations that have contributed $10,000 or more to the new ambulance include the City of Orange City, Sioux County, the Orange City Betterment Committee, OC21 Foundation, Orange City Area Health Foundation, and Total Motors.

A New Ambulance Committee, made up of EMS personnel from Orange City Area Health System, has been meeting for the past 18 months “reviewing likes and dislikes of our current ambulances,” according to Cedric Franken, Paramedic. The team attended the Iowa EMS Conference to view a wide variety of ambulance manufacturers. “We took our current ambulance design and altered it to provide a safe and secure environment for both the patient and the care providers,” he added. 

Two fully-functional ambulances are necessary to adequately respond to medical emergencies and transfer patients to Orange City Area Health System and to regional facilities. The ambulance in need of replacement was purchased in 2006, and is no longer reliable to meet the critical needs of the community and area. It has over 200,000 miles, and has broken down multiple times. The proposed new Ford E-450 ambulance includes high-end features for enhanced safety, reliability, and patient comfort. It is equipped with industry-best features and built using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

Tax-deductible contributions to the new ambulance can still be made via check to Orange City Area Health Foundation or through the GoFundMe page.

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Wade Hofland, Iowa State Bank Location Manager of the Orange City Branch, presented a check for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new ambulance to Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. They are joined by the New Ambulance Committee, pictured left to right: Keri Oostra (Paramedic/RN), Cedric Franken (Paramedic), Scott DeKock (EMT), Willard VanVugt (Driver), and Rob Bruxvoort (EMT).  Everett (Doc) Van Leeuwen (EMT) was not present.

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