Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Emergency responders protect against virus
As cases of coronavirus emerge across the region, those on the front lines, first responders are working to help the public, while staying safe themselves.
At least two police departments, Haverford and West Goshen have stated they will take new precautions when handling incidents.
“This event has created the need for the Emergency Services to take precautions and still have the ability to provide services to our residents,” Haverford Police Chief John Viola, said in a post on Facebook on Friday.
“We strive to maintain the quality level of services that residents expect and at the same time work to keep people safe and reduce the risks of exposure to the public as well as emergency services personnel. Providing police services requires certain degrees of contact between police officers, our office staff and residents.”
Viola detailed two ways police in Haverford will deal with non-emergency calls differently. Residents may receive a phone call from an officer rather that an in-person response. On incidents where a police officer does respond, police may request the resident steps outside to speak with the officer.
Viola said this will allow for additional space to help prevent unwarranted personal contact. Police will practice social distancing, staying six feet apart to minimize exposure between the officer and the resident.
The West Goshen Police Department takes our responsibility very seriously and strives to provide a safe and effective service to all,” said Chief Joseph Gleason, in a notice on Twitter Monday. “To continue to do so, we have to change our ways of direct social interaction.”
Gleason also said the police station would be locked to the public. A number of fire stations have also posted that they have closed their doors for public visits.
“Please do not hesitate to call the police for assistance. We will address all concerns expeditiously and as cautiously as possible to minimize everyone’s exposure,” Gleason said.
“I am not asking residents to refrain from calling the police for assistance, I am only asking for residents’ patience and understanding during this unprecedented atmosphere,” Viola said.
In Springfield, Chief Joseph Daly said his officers would continue to honor their commitment to citizens.
“We’re not shrinking from our duty, this is time
for police to stand tall” said Daly by phone Monday. “I’m just as concerned, my guys have all the tools to stay safe. We tell our officers ,if they are coming in touch with the public, glove up, we do that with prisoners now. Officers are equipped with the N95 face mask, sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizers.”
Daly said in his 50 years as a police officer, he has seen first responders go through a number of communicable disease threats, and they have gotten better in dealing with with each crisis.
Jim McCans, Director of Emergency Medical Services
in Haverford, noted that paramedics will wear gloves, masks, an N95 face mask and a gown on emergencies that involve possible coronavirus patients.
Following the call, the medics will remove the contaminated gear which will be disposed of by a medical wast removal company, shower and have their uniforms replaced. The ambulance, which is decontaminated after every call, will have a complete sanitizing to clean all surfaces where droplets could land.
“We’re not panicking, keep your distance be smart, keep washing your hands and practice universal precautions,” Daly said.