First responders are finding ways to limit risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus, including using new procedures to limit the number of people inside a home when responding to a 911 call, officials said.
"We are going to take a more critical look at the need for personnel to be directly in contact with the patient," said Danvers fire Chief Robert Pyburn on Monday. "If we can keep that number down, that's the prudent thing to do."
In several North Shore communities, including Danvers, police and firefighters will now wait outside except in life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest or a grievous injury.
EMTs and paramedics will handle contact with patients as much as possible on medical aid calls — in particular the types of calls where someone is reporting flu-like symptoms.