The continued rise in confirmed cases of COVID-19, no longer a slow creep upward but an exponential increase day by day, has prompted changes at local fire departments as personnel balance the now oft-touted “6-feet” rule of social distancing with some of the basic functions of their jobs as first responders.
Response to fires and major EMS calls like personal injury or car crashes have changed little and “it’s pretty much business as usual,” said Greg Pederson, fire chief for Mound Fire Department (MFD).
Most of the changes have been made to the more routine medical calls, which make up the bulk of most departments’ call volumes, and MFD is taking its cues from the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board. A March 20 document from Metro EMS outlined new recommended protocols in handling EMS calls in the midst of pandemic and covers the call from dispatch to decon.