The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) has worked to help area emergency personnel stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 20, some of those workers gathered to thank the medical school for its contribution of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Representatives from the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, Greenbrier County Emergency Ambulance, Quinwood Emergency Ambulance and White Sulphur Springs EMS visited the WVSOM campus to show their appreciation for the equipment, which included Tyvek suits, gowns, surgical and KN95 masks, hand sanitizer and digital thermometers. The school also provided items to local fire and law enforcement agencies.
Thomas Hayes, captain of White Sulphur Springs EMS, said his organization appreciated the contribution and wanted to thank the school during National EMS Week, which this year falls on May 17-23.
“Our agency had a very high need for PPE when this all started,” Hayes said. “We were astounded to have someone locally make that purchase and donate the equipment. Without PPE, there’s a danger of the disease spreading, making it unsafe for patients let alone our crew members who are treating multiple patients in a 24-hour period.”
Drema Mace, Ph.D., MSP, WVSOM’s vice president for community engagement and development, explained that the school worked with area agencies to place a group order of equipment to reduce the cost per unit. She said WVSOM President James W. Nemitz subsequently approved a decision to allow the school to cover the cost of the PPE for some agencies.
Nemitz said providing the equipment was “the right thing to do” and that the school had a responsibility to aid those who are putting themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe.
“We’re honored to help our first responders by assisting them in gaining access to PPE,” Nemitz said. “WVSOM is part of the community, and we’re happy to help the people in our county who keep us protected. If they get sick, then they’re not going to be able to do what they do. It’s essential that our providers are properly protected so that they can continue to do their job.”