COVID-19 has affected many aspects of life in the Four State Area, and that includes how first responders go about their job.
The Joplin Fire Department has been responding to fewer calls in the first six months of this year than usual, about 11%.
That could be related to a policy change the department made over the last few months.
They have temporarily stopped responding to every single call, primarily those that aren’t life-threatening to reduce the risk of possible exposure for firefighters when working on patients who could have the virus.
Jim Furgerson, Joplin Fire Chief, said, “I think it’s important to understand that while we’re not responding initially, if METS or Newton County Ambulance is busy, of course we’ll respond, but that’s what’s contributed to some of our decline so far is COVID-19.”
They do go in situations when they’re specifically requested by ambulance crews or if there aren’t any available to answer a call.