Transporting COVID+ Riders

We have heard from our healthcare partners that patients are delaying care and ending up in the hospital or ER due to a lack of transportation to important appointments such as dialysis. With that in mind, Onward has developed a protocol for transporting COVID+ patients. Select drivers may opt in to training to transport this rider population.

The high level protocol for the drivers who have opted into this program is as follows:

Before the ride - Gather Supplies and Don PPE

Ensure you have all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), rider comfort items, and cleaning supplies.

• N95

• KN95 for the rider

• Gloves

• Rider blanket

• Cavicide (cleaning spray)

• Rubbing Alcohol or Disinfectant

• Trash bags

Once you've arrived at the pick up location and before making contact with your rider, don all necessary PPE following the donning protocol.

During the ride

• Use gloves when helping the rider into and out of the vehicle and if folding walkers and wheelchairs.

• Best case scenario (When weather and driving conditions permit)

  • Keep all 4 windows open

  • Sit on opposite sides of the car, keep your N95 mask over your nose and mouth for the entire ride, and ensure the patient wears their KN95.

• Next best scenario (When weather and driving conditions are less than optimal)

  • Keep 2 windows open - Ideally the front right and left rear – to maximize the fresh air flow

  • Sit on opposite sides of the car, keep your N95 mask over your nose and mouth for the entire ride, and ensure the patient wears their KN95.

• Considerations

  • Keep your distance as much as possible

  • Leave the front seat empty at all times

  • Use proper PPE if handling the rider’s belongings

Exiting the vehicle

• Continue using your PPE (gloves, N95, and rider’s mask)

  • Ask rider to stay in vehicle during walker or wheelchair configuration

• Should your passenger need assistance exiting the vehicle, provide an appropriate level of assistance.

After the ride - Before driving away, be sure to complete the following

• Continue using your PPE

• Cleaning your vehicle

  • Open all 4 windows and doors in order to air out your car.

  • Wear gloves while disinfecting high touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, seat belt buckles, window buttons, trunk, etc.) with alcohol wipes.

  • Use disinfectant spray to sanitize other areas of the vehicle.

• Dispose of cleaning material and PPE using the provided trash bags.

• After disinfection and disposal of potentially contaminated items, be sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.