Statement from Fire Chief Chris Barnett

 

What to Expect When Your West Carrollton Paramedics Respond to an Emergency during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

We would like the citizens of West Carrollton to know that our standard emergency operations are in place and personnel are well prepared to respond to any call for service. Our firefighter/paramedics are trained for all situations, including dealing with infectious diseases, and are practicing the same preventative techniques that the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health are promoting.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air. It is also possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it then touching their own face, and as such, W.C. firefighter/paramedics may arrive at your location wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).  Our personnel are trained to assess the patient and surroundings to determine the best PPE for each response. This may include gloves, eye protection, gowns and a variety of masks ranging from the surgical type (like a doctor might wear), the fitted and sealed N-95 mask or the respirator mask with filter. Paramedics may ask the patient to wear a mask as well.

Our firefighter/paramedics might ask the patient to step outside of the residence for further evaluation and possible treatment. Performing an initial assessment in a well-ventilated area may sometimes provide a safer environment for all. First responders will always come inside to treat you so, if you are unable to step outside, do not worry. This is just one way that can help to minimize exposure to our firefighter/paramedics so that they may continue serving our community.

We continue to monitor the outbreak at local, state and national levels and will provide safe, compassionate, and excellent care while maintaining a healthy workforce and being a responsible and reliable emergency provider to our citizens.

Thank you to the citizens of West Carrollton for your patience and support as we navigate this unique situation.