Antrim emergency responders are implementing additional precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fire Chief Marshal Gale said the Antrim Ambulance is following state and federal recommendations to minimize the risk of spreading infection on any medical call that involves flu-like symptoms or a suspected exposure to the virus.
When responding to those cases, Gale said that emergency personnel are instructed to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a N95 respirator, eye protection, exam gowns, and gloves to minimize exposure. Gale said he’s also trying to make sure only two or three personnel respond to each medical call in an additional effort to minimize exposure.
“If we do have a confirmed case, I don’t need eight of my EMT’s exposed and then I lose them for 14 days,” he said.