Now that the COVID-19 has been confirmed in Colorado. We do not want to alarm anyone but many of you may be wondering what is happening behind the scenes. Frederick-Firestone Fire District staff have been and will continue to monitor local health departments, CDC and Colorado State agencies. While we are all still learning more about the COVID-19 or Coronavirus everyone can take steps to limit their exposure. We recommend the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 or more seconds. Washing your hands should be done after using the restroom, before eating, before and after prepping food, after wiping your nose, coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often.
- Stay home when you are sick. Even if you feel a little off and not well, better safe than sorry.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is or may be sick.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.
- Utilize disinfectant sprays in your home, business and vehicle.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
Weld County 911 dispatcher are screening patients who call 911 with fever, shortness of breath or any other upper respiratory symptoms. Part of the screening process is also questioning about recent travel outside and within the country. This information obtained by dispatchers are shared with our medical personnel before arrival.
Frederick-Firestone Fire paramedics and firefighters are being provided up to date information as we receive it. If COVID-19 is suspected from an individual calling 911, our personnel will limit their exposure by wearing personal protective equipment; including such items as gloves, mask, eyewear and other equipment as needed. We will limit our personnel’s exposure as well to reduce secondary exposure to our men and women. We are requesting that if you have non-life-threatening flu like symptoms please contact your primary care physician (PCP) prior to calling 911. This is requested to reduce secondary exposure.
If our paramedics determine a patient is stable and not at risk, we may inform the patient to contact their (PCP) and remain at home. If the patient needs to be taken to the hospital and COVID-19 is suspected, Frederick-Firestone Fire personnel will take the necessary steps to create an isolation area in the back of our ambulances. We will notify the receiving hospital so they may prepare as well. Once the patient has been transferred, personnel will follow the District’s decontamination and disinfection procedures. Decontamination and disinfection procedures are followed after every patient transported to the hospital.
Please practice good hygiene practices and stay informed by getting up to date and accurate facts by visiting the CDC website at www.cdc.gve/npi or 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).