KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following the death of an EMT of the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department, a spokesperson said the department's COVID-19 protocols remain the same.
Last month, the department walked 41 Action News through the changes made to their emergency response due to the novel coronavirus.
Fire Chief Donna Maize said that only one responder would be allowed to make contact at first while wearing a mask, gown and eye protection.
"One of the bigger things we've learned and pushed out to our employees is kind of taking that initial moment to stop at the door and really have one person make contact," Maize said.
After assessing the situation, that responder would decide what to do next, and if the rest of the crew would need to gear up before entering the scene.
"The first thing to protect our responders is to ensure we mask up a patient with any flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, so we're cognizant of that. It's the first line of defense," Maize said.
Billy Birmingham, the EMT who passed away, is the Kansas City area's first COVID-19 first responder death.
The International Association of Fire Fighters is keeping track of cases and deaths nationwide. The IAFF also provides guidance on how agencies should protect their responders.
Looking into the personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders across the Kansas City area, several agencies told 41 Action News they have a good supply, but are always looking for more.
"We have been procuring [masks] as as they are available. But obviously, the same struggles that everyone is having, you know, finding a supply of masks to purchase. It's not a matter of not wanting to purchase them, it's a matter of finding them available for purchase," said Sgt. Jake Becchina of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.
KCPD has received numerous donations of hand sanitizer and gloves over the last few weeks, but they still need masks.
Across the state line, Overland Park police have enough masks, but could use gloves.
“We have enough masks to protect our officers, as you can see here at my desk, every time I leave the office, I wear my mask," OPPD Ofc. John Lacy said.
Agencies across the metro have guidelines in place to protect themselves from coronavirus. Most include wearing a mask, face shield or goggles, gloves and fluid resistant gowns.
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