Two members of the largest volunteer fire company test positive; protective gear still in short supply
The state’s largest volunteer fire company reported that two of its first responders have tested positive for coronavirus.
This comes as fire companies continue to ask 911 callers to disclose whether the patient to be transported has the virus.
In a social media post, Christiana Fire Co. reported its fire and emergency medical services personnel have treated 105 potential COVID-19 patients, with 15 testing positive.
Two members of the fire company contracted coronavirus, with several under quarantine due to likely exposure. Nearly every paid and volunteer member is self-monitoring due to the current risk.
The Christiana Fire Co. serves a large area that includes Bear-Glasgow. The service territory has a large number of coronavirus cases and borders the New Castle area, which has the highest concentration of cases in the state.
In a post early this month, the fire company reported rumors sweeping the area of its emergency crews not responding to calls related to COVID-19 cases. Nothing of the sort is happening, officials stated.
Earlier, nearly a dozen and a half first responders in the Claymont area, including county police officers, were exposed to coronavirus cases after family members failed to reveal that information when making an emergency call. The incidents left the fire company short on staff.
In cases involving individuals with COVID-19, extra protective gear is used.
Fire companies continue to plead with residents to disclose whether those needing emergency services have tested positive.
Earlier this week, the New Castle County Fire Chiefs and New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters Associations again asked that pertinent patient information is provided to the 911 dispatcher as well as first responders.
The presidents of the two organizations said the amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) remains limited and first responders can ill afford to use that equipment on every call.
They wrote that withholding pertinent information unnecessarily exposes personnel and puts the entire emergency response system in jeopardy.
The association chiefs say Smart911is available to families of coronavirus victims and others who might need emergency services. The system keeps information confidential. Click here to sign up.
