VIDEO: To protect and serve, the motto takes on a whole new meaning for local first responders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our efforts are all about not only protecting our first responders and firefighters and police force but it’s also to protect the citizens because we are the front line we can be transmitters if we don’t follow proper protocol,” said Nampa Fire Chief Kirk Carpenter.
And that means whether it’s a fire, car crash or medical emergency coronavirus has forced our frontline defenders to make some significant changes. “Dispatch will let our people know as they approach the scene that there is a possibility that the COVID virus could be present so we now ask if the patient can come outside so that we’re in fresh air we’ve reduced our response so that only one fire or EMS person can make contact with the patient in full PPE and whoever made contact with the patient is the person who takes the patient to the hospital,” Chief Carpenter said.