With the COVID-19 crisis, first responders are scrambling around the county.

They are looking at changes in procedures as well as voicing some concerns.

Departments such as Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department have suspended in-station activities such as training and meetings and restricted any public use. They have also asked that members are only in the station when an emergency call arises.

Clarendon also handed out papers for members to keep in their cars in case a shelter in place order is administered for Warren County.

Glade VFD is following updated state protocol used previously for influenza calls, not be responding to any COVID-19-like EMS calls.

The 911 Center has implemented pre-screening questions before dispatching. Questions include “have you had a fever,” “have you been out of the country,” “do you have a dry cough,” and “do you know anyone who is sick or has COVID-19.”

“This allows us to be prepared with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),” said Bill Nobles, Youngsville VFD. “We don’t know what we’re walking into 90% of the time; we have to rely on the 911 Center.”

Furthermore, if you report having been to Erie County recently, you are flagged and agencies in the area are notified.

Although responders are required to wear PPE on all flu-like calls, they are seeing a shortage and backorders in equipment such as masks and gowns.

“As much as we would like to mask and glove up, the reality is if we answer 10 or 15 calls, there’s such a worldwide shortage the stock just isn’t there,” said Nobles.

“If anyone out there can help any agency with masks, outfits, goggles, etc. please donate them,” said Bob McMillen, new chief of Sheffield VFD.

Departments have also implemented protocols on cleaning and disinfecting ambulances following calls in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Health.

Clarendon VFD reported disinfecting their ambulance while still at the hospital as well as after getting back from a call. Sheffield wipes down and disinfects their ambulance and leaves the ambulance open to air out.

“We need to familiarize ourselves with the new protocols and procedures,” said McMillen. “Basically, a team effort to be as proactive as we can.”

Sugar Grove VFD has limited the number of responders in order to limit exposure to medical personnel.

“If we let everyone respond, we could be out of service pretty quickly,” said Ben Chase, Sugar Grove VFD.

Their hope is to decrease the number of people on an ambulance as well as staffing the ambulance with the younger members who are willing to respond.

“If (younger personnel) are exposed, they don’t typically have the mortality rate that older members would,” said Chase. “If first responders start getting sick, we would not be able to respond and it would put a burden on other responders and create gaps in coverage.”

“Because it’s a job we signed up for, we can’t pick and choose calls,” said Nobles. “People get sick and they depend on us. If personnel decide they won’t go on calls then we’ll be understaffed. If we get sick there won’t be people to help. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Chase also reminded people that if they start experiencing symptoms and can still breathe, you are required to contact your primary care doctor before going to a hospital or calling 911. If your case is severe and breathing has been restricted then dial 911.

“I’m obviously not telling someone to not call 911,” said Chase. “But if someone does seek care and you have a dry cough and fever, you need to be honest.”

First responders have also reiterated following quarantine orders.

“For the elderly, don’t go out if you don’t have to, also people with pre-existing conditions,” said McMillen. “If you don’t have to go out, plan on staying in and watch the news as it comes down. If the public and EMS work together, be vigilant and breathe, we can get through this.”

“Our people just want to be ready and hope this doesn’t get worse.”

With COVID-19 currently present in Warren County, a possible increase in calls could be predicted.

“It could slow down our process. We have to take extra measures and keep an eye on our personnel,” said Dave Schwanke, Russell VFD.

“The biggest thing, it’s more of a lasting effect,” said Nobles. “You can bring it home, then your wife goes to Walmart and she infects someone who is immune compromised, then they go to the hospital. It only takes one person to cross Warren County in days.”