April 9. By Dave Yochum. Even though several Charlotte first responders tested positive for COVID-19, Cornelius firefighters and police are continuing to go in where others might flee—but armed with an understanding of the new health risks.
Fire Chief Guerry Barbee said procedures are updated frequently. Among them:
FIRE CHIEF BARBEE
+Medic is screening people on the phone prior to dispatch. If the patient has signs of the virus and the call is labeled as an “Alpha, Bravo or Charlie call” the Fire Department’s in the county are not being dispatched. If the patient is not showing signs, they are dispatched as usual. Calls are dispatched by level of severity Alpha (lowest) Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo (worst).
+When Cornelius firefighters arrive only one EMT makes contact with the patient—from a distance—and performs his own set of questioning to determine if the patient is possibly positive or negative for symptoms.
+ If the patient is positive they don Personal Protection Equipment including N95 mask, gown, goggles and two sets of gloves before performing patient care.
+That EMT is the only one with contact unless the patient is a priority patient and needs more assistance.
Firefighters, Medic employees and police are essential workers under the stay-at-home orders locally and statewide.
They deserve the utmost respect during the pandemic.
POLICE CHIEF BLACK
Cornelius Police are also screening calls and asking if the caller needs to see an officer or if the officer can call them.
Chief Kevin Black said the department is encouraging residents who need to file reports for minor things that do not require an officer’s presence to file the report by phone.
If an officer’s presence is needed they will respond. If their presence is needed at a residence, police will ask the caller to step outside as opposed to going inside, when possible.
