Calls for Complaints of Eclipse-Related Eye Pain on April 8 or 9

Follow Standing Orders Section 3011.1 Eye Injuries.  If pain is severe, follow Section 1014. Pain Management.  If Tetracaine is used, patient should be transported. Patient may not keep the Tetracaine bottle.

  • In general, eclipse-related eye injuries may involve damage to the cornea, the retina, or other structures that may involve more permanent injury and need to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
  • Do not ignore the possibility that the eye pain may be due to other, possibly more serious causes unrelated to the eclipse. 
  • Patient should remove contact lenses and not wear them until healed. 
  • Keep the transport dark. Patient can wear dark glasses if they have them.
  • Avoid transports for eye pain to satellite EDs.
  • Flush eyes as needed.

 

Follow your agency’s policies on non-transports.  Most eye injuries do not require transport by Medic Unit.  With authorization of both your agency chief and agency medical director, and if dealing with an overwhelming call volume, consider triaging, and only transport for severe pain, patients who have been given medications by EMS, or patients when a non-eclipse related eye injury is suspected.   Advise patient to see a physician and to arrange their own transport.

 

Public safety, public works, and other official vehicles that must be on the road during the eclipse:

  • Top off fuel tanks and check all fluid levels by not later than 11 AM on the 8th.
  • By 1300 Hours (1 PM), turn headlights on
  • As the eclipse begins, put visors down to help avoid the temptation to look

 

Approved by Region 3 RPAB Chair.