The surge in COVID cases statewide and nationally is having an impact at the local level on more than just medical facilities such as United Hospital Center. Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart said the uptick in cases is having an impact on their department as well.

 

“We’ve been transporting a lot more individuals with COVID issues or COVID symptoms,” said Hart. “Our call volume is up for those with COVID and those with the signs and symptoms of COVID. If an individual is not diagnosed with COVID, we treat it as if the individual has one of the variants and take all the precautions necessary for a transport.”

 

When COVID first began, the fire department designated one of their ambulances specifically for the transport of those that had or may have had COVID.

 

“We still have the one designated ambulance for that purpose, and it is seeing plenty of work,” said Hart. “It definitely takes a toll on the guys. This pandemic affects the department, and everyone involved.”

 

Hart said the impact does not always end once the ambulance arrives at UHC or another medical facility if it is required.

 

“The hospitals are so full that it occasionally leads to delays in unloading the patients,” said Hart. “When you experience that delay you have to wait. It’s an issue when there’s another alarm and, if both ambulances are committed, you have to wait for mutual aid.

 

“It’s not just us,” Hart continued. “We’ve also had to assist other agencies through mutual aid who are dealing with the same issue. You just have to weather this the best you can.”

 

Although Hart did not say how long the waits are, he did say they have had to wait “extended periods of time.”

 

Hart said anywhere between 20 to 25 percent of the department’s medical calls are COVID related. The only positive issue is Bridgeport is fully staffed to handle it as other medical service providers on the first responder front are seeing staffing issues nationwide.

 

“We’re fortunate to be fully staff, and it is still taxing on our guys,” said Hart. “It does seem some locally and beyond are having staffing issues. I can tell you without mutual aid there would be a lot of more serious issues to deal with.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos show Firefighter and paramedic Chris Varner of the Bridgeport Fire Department as he boards the ambulance designated to transport individuals with COVID or COVID-related symptoms.