POWELL COUNTY - The Powell County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) 911 Dispatch Center will be instituting measures to assist in the pre-screening of potential exposure for First Responders. When someone calls 911 or the non-emergency line, he or she may be asked a series of questions that will help assess the condition of the patient or those that may come in contact with first responders.
The dispatcher may ask the caller whether they or the person needing medical help has a fever, has respiratory distress or has traveled or interacted with someone who has traveled recently, according to CDC’s most recent guidelines.
If the person confirms all three conditions, help is dispatched but first responders will prepare to take protective measures. Once first responders arrive, they will do a second screening with similar questions to determine whether they should wear personal protective equipment.
If deemed necessary, EMT’s and first responders within six feet of the patient, may wear full protective equipment which consists of a N95 face mask, eye goggles, gloves and a gown that protects their clothing and body.
According to Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles, answering yes to the questions does not mean that someone has COVID-19 but will help determine whether personnel need to “arrive at your residence using appropriate protective equipment.”
These measures will remain in effect for 30 days. After 30 days, the measures will be re-evaluated and a determination will be made at that time to suspend or continue mitigation measures.
Public safety operations will continue as normal. Deputies will continue to respond to calls-for-service and conduct patrol as usual,” wrote Sheriff Roselles in a press release. “We appreciate your understanding in this matter and look forward to working with the citizens of Powell County in reducing the spread of COVID-19.”
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