Macedonia fire chief answers questions about pandemic

Macedonia Fire Chief Brian Ripley answered the Sagamore Voice’s questions about how his department is handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are your EMTs doing differently during the pandemic?

All of our crews are using the standard universal precautions we have always used, plus they are wearing facial masks and face shields on all EMS runs.

What is the plan if an EMT gets the virus?

We will follow public health’s recommendations, and they will not be at work.

How are the vehicles sanitized after runs?

We use an EPA-registered disinfectant on the entire inside of the vehicle. This includes any equipment used on the patient.

Are all patients being masked?

Yes

Does the department have adequate supplies for an extended period?

It all depends your definition of “extended period.” We have enough supplies for the short term with additional on order with ship dates that should have them arrive before our current supply is depleted.

Are the state or county health departments issuing new regulations?

Not that directly affect our EMS operations.

With less highway traffic and fewer accidents, has this reduced the number of EMS calls to the department?

Yes, our call volume is down from this same time last year. This reduction is giving us the time necessary to disinfect the squad, equipment and personnel.

How are you and the rest of the crew doing during this time?

We are doing good. The support from the communities that we serve has been great.