Wantagh FD Taking Steps To Protect Responders Amid Coronavirus

WANTAGH, NY—The Wantagh Fire Department is working diligently to maintain services for its residents while doing everything it can to protect the health and safety of its first responders as the coronavirus shows no signs of slowing down yet.

To minimize the impact of the virus to first responders, a spokesperson for the fire department said they have closed their firehouses and will only respond to calls for alarms for the time being. Fire department leadership and the fire district are also maintaining contact as much as possible by computer and phone. When an in-person meeting is absolutely necessary, they said they will do so outdoors or in large open spaces while practicing social distancing and proper hygiene.

"In addition, firefighters and medics have received additional training on COVID-19 personal protection procedures and our equipment is cleaned and disinfected after each use," Kevin Regan, a spokesperson for the Wantagh Fire Department, said.

Should a resident or their family member suspect they have COVID-19, Regan said the department is asking that they follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which suggest if symptoms are not severe, stay at home and self-quarantine. Residents can also call their healthcare provider or the NYS hotline, available 24/7, at 1-888-364-3065 and be guided by their advice.

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"If you must go to the hospital and can drive yourself, please do so," Regan stressed. "Understand that transportation by an ambulance will NOT get you seen by a doctor any faster. These procedures are put in place to keep the chances for exposure to a minimum."

For residents who are experiencing severe symptoms and cannot drive themselves to the hospital, Regan said they can call 911 or the fire department dispatcher. The fire department urges residents, however, that they please advise them that they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms so that responders can take extra precautions.

"If you see a fire truck or ambulance nearby, please do not approach it and maintain a safe distance," Regan warned. "If you call the Wantagh Fire Department dispatcher to report an emergency, please understand that you will be asked additional health related questions. If we are called to your home for any emergency, we will be taking extra precautions which may include masks, gloves and surgical gowns as well as maintaining a safe distance from which to determine the nature of emergency and required treatment."

Regan added that hospitals are currently seeking to withdraw antibody-enriched plasma from persons who have recovered from Covid-19 illness and injecting it into the most seriously ill patients in an attempt to help them recover.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the process, known as convalescent plasma, on a case-by-case basis while scientists continue to work on finding a cure.

"As we have previously posted, the demand for blood donations remains very critical at this time," Regan said. "Now,perhaps more than ever, your blood is urgently needed and could save lives."

If you are in good health, or have fully recovered from recent illness, you are encouraged to contact the NY Blood Center at www.nybloodcenter.org to learn more about donating during the current health crisis and schedule an appointment to donate.

For the latest information, Nassau County has created hotline for Covid-19 updates at 516-227-9570 or visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov. In addition, residents can sign up for alerts on their
phone by texting COVID19NC to 888777.

"We ask your understanding as we all face this unprecedented challenge together and we urge everyone to do their part by following the guidelines put forth by the health experts and government officials in an attempt to stop the spread," Regan said.

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