Table 1 Evolution of ED response through epidemic phases
Issues | Initial response | Late adaptation | Definitive set-up |
|---|---|---|---|
Triage | Single | Separated | Separated |
Triage criteria | Isolation for people with symptoms arriving from Wuhan and Hubei region | Isolation for people with symptoms arriving from the affected area in Italy | Isolation for people with suspected symptoms, no geographical limitations |
Isolation rooms | 4 to 6 in ED for suspected cases | 24 on the floor for suspected cases | Four at ED for protection or immunodeficiency |
Walk-in COVID patients | Direct to isolation rooms | Direct to isolation rooms | A dedicated area in ED with four rooms |
Severe COVID patients | Direct to isolation rooms | A dedicated area in ED with four rooms | A dedicated area in ED |
Non-COVID patients | Full ED | Waiting area repurposed with 14 beds | Previous isolation area with 8 bed places |
PPE | Surgical mask, but full PPE only in isolation rooms | Full PPE everywhere | Full PPE everywhere |
Swab waiting time | 16 to 24 h | 10 to 12 h | 4 to 8 h |
ED personnel | Normal set-up | Normal set-up in ED + Surgery Nurses and 2 ED doctors at floor | Normal staff in COVID ED + 2 nurses + other specialists (1 or 2 per shift) in walk-in area + Surgery Nurses and 2 ED doctors + 1 other specialist at floor |