KTBC
AUSTIN, Texas — Williamson County First responders are prepared for anything. EMS Commander Chad Henrichs tells FOX 7, dealing with communicable diseases is something they do on a daily basis. AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis-C, even the Flu is something they see on a regular basis. And though it’s not likely Central Texas will see an Ebola patient, “The big thing for us is: flu is more likely to infect more people in Texas than Ebola,” says Henrichs. Nevertheless, they are prepared. “Williamson County EMS has gotten the protocol from CDC and we’ve chosen to continue with that protocol.”
That protocol starts with screening the patient. Flu like symptoms and 101.5 fever triggers a set of questions: Has the patient been to Africa - or Dallas in the last few weeks. If so, he says, then they are on high-alert, “If they meet that protocol then they get another ambulance and another Commander on scene so that we can help out the crew to further prevent any further contamination.” Like sealing off the back of the ambulance with duct tape and plastic sheeting. Measures included in the CDC guidelines.Their protective gear - also known as “Personal Protective Equipment” includes items they already had on hand: gloves, a protective gown, boot covers, a head cover, and face shield. They use them any time they respond to a call where they could come in contact with bodily fluids, that includes delivering a baby.
Read full story: Local EMS workers prepare for possibility of Ebola