First responders take precautions dealing with virus
EAGLEVILLE » As presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 coronavirus spread, Montgomery County’s first responders are taking precautions while attending to people in need.
“One of our biggest concerns is the continued protection of our first responders,” said Dr. Alvin Wang, regional EMS medical director.
Wang said the county is following protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health.
“Our first responders are trained and well prepared to handle these emergencies,” Wang said in an email to MediaNews Group.
Wang spoke at a Montgomery County press briefing on Monday, confirming that first responders were called to handle the case of an Upper Merion cardiologist who was admitted to Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with a presumptive positive case of COVID-19 coronavirus. Wang said at the briefing that all protocols
were followed in that case.
Todd Stieritz, public affairs coordinator for the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, said the agency has “developed documents to provide guidance to first responders.”
The county also has additional information and resources online.
In a memorandum last month and updated on March 7, Wang detailed the protective gear that EMS workers should apply before coming into contact with a patient who may have contracted COVID-19. That personal protective equipment, or P.P.E., “includes gown, gloves, N95 mask, and eye protection,” he said.
While most first responder groups already have adequate supplies, Stieritz said county officials are trying to acquire more protective gear for them.
“However, in anticipation of us needing more than what a particular ambulance squad may keep on their ambulance on a given day, we’re working on acquiring additional stockpiles of this equipment for our first responder agencies should they run out and need more,” Stieritz said. Wang reminded area residents that first responders need these pieces of equipment to stay safe while on the job. “It is for this very reason that I would urge the public to not ‘hoard’ N95 masks,” Wang said in an email. “Improperly fitted masks offer no meaningful protection to the wearer and is one less mask that is available for use by a first responder.” The county has implemented a policy that allows 911 dispatchers to ask callers questions in certain medical situations so that emergency responders can take precautions. The memorandum, which was updated on March 7, authorizes inquiries about symptoms that may be consistent with COVID-19. They include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. Based on the caller’s response, responders can determine if it’s necessary to wear personal protective gear. “We’re just trying to provide them a little bit more information so they can be informed when they get on scene that there’s a risk, and that they should know what they’re walking into,” Stieritz said. While all emergency responders with the “county computer aided dispatch system” receive case information and notifications, policies regarding wearing personal protective gear depend on the specific police and fire agencies, Stieritz said. “We have not issued any countywide recommendations to police on what they should do,” Stieritz said. “That comes at the level of each police chief and the policies of their department.” Wang added that the county’s department of public safety does offer guidelines to other first responders based on the CDC’s direction
“However, those with mild symptoms should first call their primary care doctors for guidance and remain at home if possible.”
For more information about coronavirus in Montgomery County, visit montcopa.org and click on “Coronavirus Update.”