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Firefighters are used to facing risks on the job, but now they’re suiting up in a different kind of protective gear on all medical emergency calls.
Regina Fire and Protective Services Deputy Chief Neil Sundeen points out it isn’t possible for any first responders to maintain a physical distance of two metres while responding to an emergency, but fire crews are adjusting in every way they can during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our folks are very used to being put in harm’s way, that’s part of their job, so this is just another added layer that we try to take all the precautions we can and we try to manage the risk as best we can,” Sundeen said.
He explained how fire crews have increased existing infection control measures on emergency medical calls by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, goggles and surgical gowns or even light hazmat suits to protect people.
“We assume that we may be in contact with somebody that may be COVID-infected so we take the precautions to assume that every patient is unless proven otherwise,” Sundeen said.
He said all of these protocols are in line with all first responders such as EMS and nurses and doctors in emergency rooms because firefighters are also potentially first contacts with any patient who may be COVID-19-positive.
Sundeen said firefighters approach the risk of a virus in the same way they work around fires or vehicle collisions in all kinds of emergencies; by using proper procedures and protective equipment.
“We manage the risk the best we can and this is no different. It is another added element because in a house fire you can feel the heat and see the smoke. In this one, it’s sort of an invisible hazard and you sort of take whatever precautions you possibly can to try to reduce that,” Sundeen said.
While physical distancing would pose significant challenges on emergency calls, Sundeen said fire crews are adjusting training and meetings to fit those requirements by meeting remotely or in smaller group settings.
Fire trucks and stations are looking and smelling a little bit different as all high-touch surfaces are disinfected multiple times a day.
“Like most people, our hands are kind of raw from all of the cleaning we’re doing and all of the hand sanitizer,” Sundeen said.
“We’ve certainly followed the lead from what Sask Health has recommended and our crews have done an outstanding job at cleaning our fire stations. In fact, the other day I stopped by at a fire hall and it literally smelled like a swimming pool because it was so clean and disinfected.”
Sundeen noted another common thread between firefighters and anyone else working in essential services right now is the stress of carrying the virus home to their families. He said they have all taken extra precautions for staying home to limit exposure.
