Norwich Fire Department and first responders prepare for the coronavirus
NORWICH - The Norwich Fire Department is doing what it can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, and representatives said while they currently have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, they will need more if the active virus cases in Norwich spike.
According to Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino, additional supplies from New York State have yet to come in, but the department has enacted safety procedures to help prevent first-responders from contracting the coronavirus.
“I believe we’re as prepared as any other agency in the county when it comes to PPE - we’ve got masks, gloves, and gowns,” said Papelino. “If this thing grows as quickly as anticipated, everything could change very quickly.”
“Certainly the whole supply chain for PPE that the whole community uses is very strained, and unfortunately, our suppliers for gloves are completely out of stock now.”
Papelino said on Tuesday, the department used approximately 35 pairs of gloves. Papelino added that the department still has enough gloves to operate effectively. He said the fire department is being extra cautious when coming in close proximity to patients.
“Right now we kind of have to treat everyone like they could potentially be a carrier,” he added. “We’re trying to follow the protocols provided to us by the state, and unless it’s an imminent emergency residents can expect responders to stay six feet away from them until they’ve been able to ask some questions about their health.”
Papelino said it’s important that everyone does their part to help slow the spread, and for the average person simply keeping their distance from others could prevent the spread of the virus.
“There’s talk everyday about trying to flatten that curve, and there’s a big reason why that’s important,” he said. “Slowing the spread of the virus could save lives.”
He added that because the fire department is still short staffed, it becomes especially important that firefighters don’t get sick.
“When the county does get more supplies, it’s important that they are distributed throughout the county to all of the agencies that need them,” said Papelino. “We don’t have any magic lines of supply that can get us through this on our own.”
Papelino added that the department will continue to respond to emergency calls, and thanked the community for its understanding of coronavirus prevention policies.
According to Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino, additional supplies from New York State have yet to come in, but the department has enacted safety procedures to help prevent first-responders from contracting the coronavirus.
“I believe we’re as prepared as any other agency in the county when it comes to PPE - we’ve got masks, gloves, and gowns,” said Papelino. “If this thing grows as quickly as anticipated, everything could change very quickly.”
“Certainly the whole supply chain for PPE that the whole community uses is very strained, and unfortunately, our suppliers for gloves are completely out of stock now.”
Papelino said on Tuesday, the department used approximately 35 pairs of gloves. Papelino added that the department still has enough gloves to operate effectively. He said the fire department is being extra cautious when coming in close proximity to patients.
“Right now we kind of have to treat everyone like they could potentially be a carrier,” he added. “We’re trying to follow the protocols provided to us by the state, and unless it’s an imminent emergency residents can expect responders to stay six feet away from them until they’ve been able to ask some questions about their health.”
Papelino said it’s important that everyone does their part to help slow the spread, and for the average person simply keeping their distance from others could prevent the spread of the virus.
“There’s talk everyday about trying to flatten that curve, and there’s a big reason why that’s important,” he said. “Slowing the spread of the virus could save lives.”
He added that because the fire department is still short staffed, it becomes especially important that firefighters don’t get sick.
“When the county does get more supplies, it’s important that they are distributed throughout the county to all of the agencies that need them,” said Papelino. “We don’t have any magic lines of supply that can get us through this on our own.”
Papelino added that the department will continue to respond to emergency calls, and thanked the community for its understanding of coronavirus prevention policies.
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