How Coronavirus Concerns Have Changed How Firefighters Respond

As COVID-19 continues to affect thousands of individuals across the US, the country’s firefighters are at risk of getting the virus while on duty. There has been growing concern for the safety and wellbeing of firefighters during this time of crisis, especially as many have already fallen ill or succumbed to the disease.

How has the coronavirus changed the way firefighters respond to calls? Let’s take a look.

What Happens When They Get the Call

Up until a few months ago, once a call had been made to the fire department, the firefighters would pick up their regular gear and head out after getting the address and brief details of the site. With the onset of the coronavirus, things are a little different. Before firefighters arrive at the location they’re being requested at, they need to do some extra questioning to confirm whether or not a COVID-19 patient is going to be at the site.

In addition to the regular questions they’d ask the caller, firefighters also inquire about other details that may indicate the possibility of a coronavirus patient. They may ask the caller of they have a fever, a persistent cough, persistent breathing difficulties, and if they’ve recently been in contact with someone who has been infected or is at risk of getting infected. The firefighters may even do further questioning while they’re on their way to ascertain the possibility of a patient. This isn’t meant to cause distress to the caller, but to fully take the measures that can prevent the spread of the coronavirus in case a person is indeed infected or is exhibiting symptoms.

What Happens When They Arrive

Once they’ve arrived at the site, the firefighters then suit up in protective gear. Safety precautions for COVID-19 include gloves, masks, and gowns that cover them completely.  

Often, when people see firefighters wearing PPEs, they immediately think that either the firefighters are infected or the person whose house they’re going into has the disease. However, this isn’t the case. The reason for wearing COVID-19 specific gear is to reduce the chances of them actually getting the disease while they’re on duty.  

Under normal circumstances, 4–5 firefighters would go inside a building to help out. With the current situation, only two will initially enter and then based on the situation at hand, will either recruit more team members or continue alone with their partner. Only one person will be interacting with the individual who had called for help to further limit the risks of catching the virus. Once their work is done, they’ll then dispose of the protective gear by placing it in a biohazard bag before they drive back to the station.

The number of firefighters required for assistance may change based on the type of case they’re handling.

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