Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
The novel coronavirus has changed how Durham County and the City of Durham carry out emergency responses.
According to new guidelines, fewer first responders will head to emergencies to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Raleigh’s ABC11 reported that firefighters will now only handle severe medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, EMS will still respond to all medical emergencies with the option of calling for backup from additional fire crews.
Deputy Chief Chris Iannuzzi told ABC11 the reduction would help with staff availability and Durham Emergency Services Director Jim Groves added that first responder exposure will decrease by 50 percent.
When responding to a scene, crew members will don personal protection equipment, which Groves said is the only major change the public will likely see during the pandemic.
Durham County EMS Assistant Chief Van Vleet said urged the public to aid emergency workers to stunt the spread by staying home.
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