Spokane Valley firefighters are growing used to the unprecedented, widespread precautions they’re taking to protect themselves and the public from the spread of the novel coronavirus, while grappling with the danger of the uncertain situations they find themselves in.
“We know what our job is,” said paramedic Marc Lange, a five-year veteran of the department.
Anyone who contacts a patient is required to wear a face mask and eye protection, according to Battalion Chief Brian Foster-Dow. First responders wear respirators and gowns in addition to that gear if they suspect the patient has COVID-19.
“We’re going to have to get to the point where we assume someone’s got (COVID-19) until proven otherwise,” said Capt. Don Kresse, who was filling in as battalion chief Saturday morning.
As of Sunday evening, two Spokane Valley firefighters were quarantined due to potential exposure to the novel coronavirus, according to department spokesperson Julie Happy.