Calls for service are down, but medics are preparing for a spike

As coronavirus spreads across the Peninsula, calls for emergency medical service in Newport News and Hampton have gone down. But Jim Gower, a Newport News assistant fire chief, said the department is gearing up for a potential spike in calls.

The Virginia Department of Health believes there will be an increase in calls for service soon, according to Gower.

At this point, the Newport News Fire Department is staffing at normal levels, but they're preparing for a need to staff up.

In Newport News, emergency medical call volume in March was down about 18% over the last three weeks. Anthony Chittum, a battalion chief in Hampton, said EMS calls were down 16% in March compared to a year ago.

Both Chittum and Gower said concerns related to the coronavirus are likely factors in the smaller volume, but said there's not a definitive way to tell.

“(An) assumption could be made that residents are heeding the federal, state and local guidance and making decisions to limit the need for EMS response, treatment and/or transport unless absolutely necessary,” Chittum said in an email.

Gower noted that frequent callers are still dialing 911, and the community paramedicine team is still going out to those callers and directing them to the proper services.

Public safety services are also taking extra precautions.

The Newport News Communications Center began screening 911 calls for potential cases of coronavirus by asking all patients with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath if they have had any contact with anyone diagnosed with the virus, according to its social media.

The center has also asked those with mild symptoms to limit interaction with others and call a health care provider for advice and to call 911 if symptoms worsen, such as if you're having difficulty breathing.

Still, Gower said, medics are responding to every call as if the patient has the coronavirus.

Newport News EMS calls are down 18% in the last 3 weeks

In Newport News, emergency medical call volume in March was down about 18% over the last 3 weeks.

ALEX EDELMAN/AFP Calls to emergency services have seen a dramatic drop compared to last year, but some predict that there will be another increase as people continue to stay home.