Firefighters, Families Make Face Shields For First Responders

BERKELEY, CA — "Protecting property....Saving lives....Serving the community."

The Alameda County Fire Department is dedicated to the residents it serves, so when the coronavirus outbreak made it difficult for members to buy the protective gear they need, firefighters and their family members stepped up to make their own at Precision Patient Outcomes in Berkeley.

The work party was organized by Josh Leines of the Alameda County Firefighters Association. He told Patch, "8 of our members and some of their families volunteered on their day off over two days produced over 300 face shields in partnership with Precision Patient Outcomes. Our members made face shields for multiple use for first responders as well as for single use with patients."

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Considering the scenes of supply shortages that are familiar in the Bay Area and across the country — empty store shelves and hospital workers appealing to the public for face masks — it would be understandable if the firefighters kept them all to themselves. But that's not the case.

"The masks are going to be distributed to first responders and hospitals in the area," Leines said.

Precision Patient Outcomes did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the company's website reports, "Precision Patient Outcomes (PPO) has converted a portion of our facility into a Rapid Response Center, producing face shields for First Responders and those in close proximity being transported or tested.

"As requested, PPO has developed transparent plastic shields which can be wiped clean and reused by professionals. Further, we have a temporary version for patients which keep those around them safe."

People may contact the company directly at 707-266-3133 or email mlewis@ppo-health.com.

Full coronavirus coverage: California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures