“They have specific questions to find out if people have contracted the virus, and they can do that and have the proper protective equipment. Tucson police can assist them by blocking streets and keeping people out of an area if necessary.

“We know Ebola is a viral infection that can cause severe illness and death. We want to keep our officers and the public safe,” he said, adding that it has been reiterated to officers if such a call reoccurs to notify TFD.

“They can use protective gear, and police can go and assist them if they need our help. We don’t have a specific protocol for every virus that is out there, but officers are told and trained that if it is a medical situation, they should let the Tucson Fire Department know.”

Pacheco said discussions about being prepared for the possibility of an Ebola case in the community has been ongoing for months, and formal meetings began early last month.

“Protocols are still in development,” he said.

Pacheco said it is up to first responders to come up with their own protocol in handling an Ebola case, but that the health department can help the agencies if needed.

“It is the health department’s role to make sure all the agencies — fire, police, hospitals — know what each other is doing, that everyone is linked, and to make sure all the procedures are effective, fit together and that everyone is safe.”

Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104 and reporter Stephanie Innes at sinnes@tucson.com or 573-4134.

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