The Augusta Fire Department has begun using personal protective equipment when responding to medical emergency calls to protect patients and firefighters from exposure to the coronavirus.

When dispatch receives a call regarding a medical emergency, additional screening questions will be asked to the patient for possible COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. Emergency calls began to be screened as the number of cases in the area began rising.

"Specific calls that we (put on) personal protective equipment on would be respiratory, high-risk reports, infections, fever. Anyone that has travelled overseas or been in contact with a positive patient and showing the signs and symptoms," Augusta Fire Department EMS Chief James Kelly said Wednesday at a demonstration of the equipment being used.

Kelly said dispatch would advise on how they should proceed based on the answers to the screening questions. He said it’s important to know the risk of exposure to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

"We have used this on a number of calls, some have become positive, some have not," he said. "We would rather be prepared than not."

Sgt. Alan Glogovsky demontrated the personal protective equipment being used by firefighters. The equipment includes: two sets of gloves, a gown, eye protection and a N-95 mask.

Glogovsky said he’s used similar protective equipment before coming to Augusta. He is glad the department is protecting firefighters as the coronavirus continues to spread.

"It is a little bit confining, but it is for our protection," Glogovsky said. "The gloves, the mask, the eye protection, it’s all necessary for us when you run into somebody with possibly COVID-19."

Although there is a nationwide shortage of N-95 masks, Kelly said the fire department is "adequately stocked" and prepared to respond. He said they are working with local and federal agencies and have put in orders for additional masks, as a precaution.

Kelly said every fire station, ambulance and fire chief vehicle has personal protective equipment and it doesn’t take more than a couple of seconds to put on. From the patient side, Kelly just asks that they answer the screening questions truthfully to help protect the firefighters and the patients.

"When they call 911, it may seem tedious, because one there is an emergency, a couple of seconds feel like minutes to hours for those that are experiencing an emergency, but just truthfully answer those questions," he said. "They are there for a reason to make sure we are protected, everyone is protected, that we can continue to respond to those calls."

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