COVID-19 Shapes Fire & Rescue Response
Published on March 20, 2020
Keeping our community safe is the top priority of the City of Huntsville’s Fire and Rescue Department. This includes protecting the health and safety of our Firefighters and EMS workers so they can continue to deliver the highest level of service to you and your family.
As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to unfold, it is important we all take steps to protect our first responders who are on the frontline of treating our citizens.
Please follow these steps to help us continue to provide the best service we can to our community.
BEFORE DIALING 911, CONSULT BY PHONE WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN
If you have minor to moderate symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (which include a cough, fever or a runny nose) and/or recent travel, PLEASE STAY HOME and consult via telephone with your primary care physician. The Alabama Department of Public Health is also available to answer questions about next steps to take. http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/ 1-800-252-1818
IF CONDITIONS BECOME LIFE-THREATENING, CALL 911
If your condition worsens and is more severe, call 911 and relay important information regarding your symptoms to the dispatcher. While you will likely be asked these questions on the call, be sure to mention if you have any symptoms (cough, fever, difficulty breathing or runny nose), any recent travel and if you’ve been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient. Relaying this information is pertinent so responding personnel will arrive to the scene with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. When possible, please be prepared to meet us outside so that we can perform doorway triage without entering the residence.
?ALL OTHER MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
If you are calling 911 for a medical emergency other than COVID-19 e.g. fall, vehicle collision, etc., it is still critical to tell dispatchers if you have any symptoms (which include a cough, fever or a runny nose) and/or recent travel.
DO NOT VISIT A FIRE STATION IN PERSON
If you are symptomatic, please do not stop at a fire station to be evaluated. This would not allow our firefighters to be protected with the proper personal protective equipment before making contact with you.
Remember that even if you are young and healthy, you may still carry the disease and should take appropriate precautions so you don’t infect the immunocompromised and elderly.
Huntsville Fire and Rescue and HEMSI, as well as our surrounding partners in the valley are prepared to handle this national emergency.For additional information:
http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/ 1-800-252-1818
https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/coronavirus-disease-2019-response-and-information/
