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CASS COUNTY — Cass County Medical Control Authority announced Thursday the introduction of a new “Telehealth and Stationary Treatment of Low Acuity Respiratory Complaints During COVID-19 Outbreak” protocol for Cass County Emergency Medical Service providers.

The protocol will allow those who call 9-1-1 with a specific list of low acuity respiratory medical concerns to have a virtual face-to-face consultation with an emergency department physician and, when appropriate, remain in their homes.

“This is a great opportunity maximize our resources, serve our community, and practice social distancing to the best of our ability in order to better protect everyone from the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 illness,’ said Dr. Roy Werner.

Cass County EMS crews will use an application on their electronic devices, through which they can safely and securely share patient information while speak with an on-call ED doctor. Patients will also be able to see and speak with the physician to determine the best course of treatment.

“Any person who believes they need to go to the emergency department will be transported at their request,” Werner said. ‘The ability to be seen by a physician, using a phone or iPad, is a great way for people to continue to shelter at home and allow us to provide another level of safety to all patients that need to be seen in the emergency department. By combining the enhanced safety measures Emergency Departments already have in place with this technology, we are further increasing the safety for our patients and the dedicated front-line responders so they may continue to provide the best care possible to the Cass County community.”