Fire Chief Wassman shares health precautions
The Pea Ridge Fire Department is committed to the safety of our residents as well as the safety of the responders. The situation within our state and country is unprecedented and will likely be one for the ages. As you can imagine, the business of the Fire Department/EMS service will have to adapt to the current situations concerning the COVID-19 by following the Arkansas Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control guidelines and the Presidents Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
The Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 guidance for Emergency Medical Services
Guidance for Emergency Service providers, first responders, law enforcement and 911 operators
This guidance is to provide information about preparations for people who may have been exposed to this new virus so that emergency personnel can keep themselves safe.
Persons Being Monitored Due to Possible Exposure
The people being monitored due to their possible exposure to this novel coronavirus do NOT have a confirmed infection and are asymptomatic. However, they might become symptomatic, and precautions are recommended for those who must have contact with them. Any emergency personnel encountering such a person should use the following precautions:
• standard precautions (gloves)
• contact precautions (gown)
• airborne precautions (mask)
• use eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield)
In preparation for home monitoring of returning travelers, national guidance has been that travelers returning from countries with sustained community spread COVID-19 cases (CDC’s travel warning levels 2 or 3) remain at home in self-quarantine for 14 days after they leave that country. Those on self quarantine have been advised that if they need to call Emergency Services or 911, it is very important that the person inform the 911 operator and any personnel they encounter that they are being monitored due to possible exposure to novel coronavirus. This person will have been told that they need to wear a mask before they encounter anyone. We also tell them that they should announce to the EMS providers before getting in close contact that the all EMS providers should be wearing gloves, gown, mask, and goggles prior to any contact.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
•Clean your hands often
•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
•If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Avoid close contact
•Avoid close contact with people who are sick
•Put distance between yourself and other people if covid-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
•Stay home if you’re sick
•Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
•Cover coughs and sneezes
•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
•Throw used tissues in the trash.
•Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
•Wear a facemask if you are sick
•If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
•If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 60% alcohol.
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America The 15 days to Slow the Spread
Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not sent them to school. Contact your medical provider. If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your ling or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
Do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus
Even if you are young, or other wise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others.
It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Work for engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
Avoid eating and drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts.
Use drive-through, pickup or delivery options.
Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits
Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
The Pea Ridge Fire Department will continue to serve through this crisis.
Jack Wassman, chief
Pea Ridge Volunteer Fire-EMS Dept.
Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequent used item or surface
Avoid touching your face Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow
Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
The Pea Ridge Fire Department will continue to serve through this crisis. Please follow these guidelines to help protect yourself, your neighbors and our first responders. Thank you in advance for your patience, diligence and dedication during this trying time.
Jack Wassman, chief Pea Ridge Volunteer
Fire-EMS Dept.