If you happen to need the services of the Bridgeport Fire Department’s ambulatory care, Chief Phil Hart wants everyone to know they do not need to be alarmed at what they see. It’s just part of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) protocols being put in place by the department for the foreseeable future.

 

“Our first priority, in order to take care of those were tasked protect, is to make sure our we provide protection for our personnel delivering protection and emergency medical services,” said Hart.

 

Hart said Monday the paramedics and EMTs of the department will show up were complete protective gear. The gear includes gloves, masks, safety glasses and a gown.

 

“It’s a precautionary measure, for those needing services and those providing services, to help control the spread of germs,” said Hart. “We’re letting the community know what to expect when they see us and not to be alarmed. We’re stressing this is precautionary and those providing services are fine, and we don’t want anyone to think our ambulances are contaminated.”

 

The move is one of many involving the Bridgeport Fire Department as Coronavirus protocols go into place. You can read the complete list by clicking HERE.

 

“We’ve been getting a lot of correspondence from agencies at both the federal and state levels and we’ve been working with City Manager (Randy Wetmore) and our department heads,” said Hart. “This is what we’ve come with and it falls in line with recommendations we’re also seeing from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.”

 

Hart says this is taking place after several members of the San Jose (Ca.) Fire Department tested positive for the virus and that led to dozens of staffers being quarantined. He said that needs to be avoided here, and this is a big step to trying to make sure that doesn’t happen.

 

“We have to avoid that by doing what we can,” said Hart. “Unlike a department like that, we have limited numbers in comparison.”

 

As for regular fires, Hart said staff will be in standard gear. The new outfits are for medical calls.

 

One of the other changes is falling in line with city protocol announced last week by Wetmore. Visits to the fire department are limited to essential personnel only. It’s noted in the link above as part of the protocols.

 

“I want to thank my officers for working with me over the weekend for hours creating this policy,” said Hart. “We have to do everything we can to limit the exposure of this virus to our personnel.”

 

Editor’s Note: Pictured is Bridgeport Firefighter/EMT Zack Bradfield in the new outfits at the top and shown what has been the standard in the bottom photo.