As thousands of new COVID-19 positive cases are reported each day, the omicron variant is making a negative impact in nearly every facet of society.
In Little Rock and across the country, the virus and its effects are causing first responders to be delayed in their response to emergency situations.
“People keep talking about the ‘new norm,'” said Greg Thompson, the Executive Director for MEMS in Little Rock. “I don’t even know what that is anymore. It’s just a very busy time.”
The virus is having an impact on all community heroes. Firefighters generally stay at an emergency scene for only a few minutes until a medic arrives. During this period, they are waiting longer.
“We basically get there, stay there, stabilize [the injured person],” said Capt. Jason Weaver of the Little Rock Fire Dept. “We’re having to maintain that a little longer, so there is added stress.”