First responders cautious of COVID-19
Preparations and protocols in place
As the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads across the nation more quickly than experts expected, local first responders, fire fighters and law enforcement officers are taking extra steps to make sure they can continue to respond when the public calls. Working with the people is not an easy job in the best of times, but when people are scared and the future is uncertain, thosewho respond to emergencies have an even bigger job — to keep themselves safe and healthy. After all, what would our cities be like without police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians ( EMT), paramedics, and the national guard?
“We have a different response
protocol now with the Coronavirus,” said Little Lake Fire Protection District ( LLF) Chief Chris Wilkes. “The patients are first triaged at dispatch to find out what the situation is. Then a Duty Officer will show up and ask more questions meanwhile volunteers (fire fighters) wait outside. Our volunteers have not signed up to put their lives in danger with the virus. They only get $4 per call and they absolutely do not need to put themselves in that situation.”
Wilkes further explained that LLF only has four paid Duty Officers and one of them is on duty at all times. He said that if a call comes through about someone with an illness, Duty Officers try not to come in direct contact with the patient if at all possible, and instead try to talk with a family member or friend that knows the situation. “But, if we have to we can suit up in protective gear and go in,” said Wilkes, referring the personal protective equipment kit that each fire fighter has available to them. “We have to protect our people, too.”
Brooktrails Fire Chief Jon Noyer echoed Wilkes’ response, “We’re just changing the way we do business… We’re just trying to reduce our risk… If we have to suit up and provide care, then that’s what we do… ( The Coronavirus) is not stopping our response. We’re ready; we’re just not rushing into someone’s house.”
On Wednesday, Willits Police Department’s ( WPD) Interim Chief Greg Allen issued a statement about the new patrol protocols they’ve implemented to help protect the public and WPD employees, while continuing to provide a high level of service. “Effective immediately, Police Department employees will attempt to primarily handle non- emergency calls for service over the telephone. Police Department dispatchers are being asked to obtain telephone numbers or other contact information for reporting parties so officers can contact those subjects on the telephone to take a report or address their law enforcement needs.”
“Our volunteers have not signed up to put their lives in danger with the virus. They only get $4 per call and they absolutely do not need to put themselves in that situation.”
— Little Lake Fire Protection District Chief, Chris Wilkes
Although WPD said the response protocol for inprogress crimes, violent offenses, and general risks to the public will be handled per usual, police dispatchers will be asking for additional information from the reporting party in order to assess the risk of COVID-19 exposure for responding personnel. “It is important that the general public understands that these questions are to enable emergency personnel to serve the needs of the public, while ensuring appropriate safety precautions are in place to limit and mitigate possible COVID-19 exposure,” said Allen.
In addition, WPD’s lobby will be closed to the public, however citizens are welcome to communicate via the intercom system located near the front door. WPD also is temporarily suspending fingerprinting services (ink and live-scan), citation corrections and other non-essential services. “The Willits Police Department would like to thank the public in advance for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. We will send out additional information and updates to these protocols as they become available,” said Allen.
For non-emergency matters, call WPD at (707) 4596122.