RI Fire Captain Criticizes State for Lack of Information Regarding Potential Coronavirus Exposure

A Pawtucket fire captain is saying that first responders are not feeling protected by the Rhode Island health system, after he said several fire department responders were exposed to a potential case of coronavirus at Miriam Hospital in Providence -- and cannot get answers about how to proceed.

Pawtucket Fire Captain Earl Newman said Wednesday morning that several first responders learned of potentially being exposed to coronavirus following transporting a patient to Miriam, and expressed concern that they did not get any information from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

In Washington State, 26 firefighters and three police officers are in quarantine according to local news outlets, because they responded to calls at the nursing home where a COVID-19 outbreak occurred. Most of the 9 coronavirus deaths in Washington state have been linked to the Kirkland, Washington longterm care facility.

Firefighters' Concerns

“Last night we had a potential coronavirus exposure involving 5 Pawtucket FD responders. Patient was transported to Miriam ED. It was until 6 hours later, after overhearing a conversation, that it was learned that this patient was a potential risk. Miriam ED never officially informed us of our potential exposure,” wrote Newman.

“We have had little luck getting information from Miriam or RIDOH and we aren’t not sure what we, as providers, should be doing at this point,” he added.

“We currently have a requirement to notify the receiving ED should we suspect a potential coronavirus patient. However, that requirement is not reciprocated. In short Miriam ED failed to tell us anything about our potential exposure...because they don’t have to," he continued. "Great isn’t it. We have to protect them but they don’t have to protect us. Rest assured that had Miriam ED made a complaint against one of you as a provider, [RIDOH] would have an investigation underway."

State Response

When asked what — or when — the Department of Health is required to inform first responders, RIDOH spokesperson Joseph Wendelken provided the following.

“RIDOH is evaluating and responding to each of the reports that we receive,” said Wendelken.

Miriam Hospital did not respond to request for comment at time of publication.

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