Communications from EMS, fire and police departments can be a source of reassurance during perilous times. Share this letter with your community to empower them to protect themselves and the first responders in your area. For more suggestions on how agencies can use social media channels to spread awareness, create community and provide factual, reassuring information, click here.
Hundreds of firefighters, EMS providers and law enforcement officers across the country have COVID-19. Those numbers will have likely increased by the time you read this. The reality is harsh. Even with PPE and strong infection control procedures, hundreds of first responders are sick. Some have died.
They’re not looking for sympathy. They’re not looking for glory. The nation’s first responders are turning to you for help.
There are many actions you can take to keep our first responders safe. And many of these actions will help prevent harm to others on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle, like nurses and doctors.
Here’s how you can help:
- Stay home and practice social distancing. We know it’s getting tired and old. We know staying home is stressful and frustrating. But it’s an essential action that keeps us all safe.
- Call 911 for emergencies only. If you need assistance, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs will be there. Many communities have stepped up their non-emergency lines to offer guidance during the crisis.
- Call 911 for emergencies only. The repetition is not a typo – it’s a reminder. If you think you have an emergency, call 911. We don’t want you to hesitate to call for real emergencies, like heart attacks, household accidents and fires. These are emergencies, and first responders are here to take care of you.
- Announce a diagnosis. If you do need to call 911, alert the call-taker to anyone in your household that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has experienced any symptoms, such as cough or fever. EMS providers will be there to help but will take the precautions needed to ensure they can keep doing their job throughout this pandemic. The 911 dispatcher will likely ask additional questions. Please be patient and answer these questions.
- List needed medications. Make a list of all medications being taken by each member of your household, along with a medical history. Do it now, just in case. New rules in many communities will prevent relatives and friends from riding in the ambulance or even entering the hospital. We understand how scary this thought is, but being prepared can help ensure your loved one is getting the most appropriate care. Make sure those lists are handy.
- Have a go-bag. Collect a few things a loved one might need if they must go to the hospital. A phone charger, eyeglasses, wallet, ID and insurance card(s) are great things to include.
- Follow us on social media. Follow your local fire, EMS and police department, and emergency management agency on social media. They’ll have additional COVID-19 safety tips and keep you updated on changing procedures and policies.
And since you’re at home, there’s no time like the present to prepare for and practice for other types of emergencies:
- Plan your emergency escape. Every household needs to have a home escape plan in the event of fire. There are great tools available on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Be A Hero, Save Hero app and at the NFPA’s Sparky website. If you have children at home, make them an active participant in putting the plan together. It’s an activity with immediate and long-term benefits – and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to escape their house right now?
- Think like a first responder. First responders work hard each day to be prepared for anything and everything that comes along. Being prepared will help you tackle problems effectively. It also minimizes stress. If you feel prepared, you’ll feel more in control.
There are no stay home orders for your local fire, EMS and police department. Your public safety officials always respond when called. Please do your part to help them return safely to their families.
Editor’s’ Note: What advice do you want to share with your community to help keep first responders safe? Share in the comments below.
