Phoenix Fire Dept. takes proactive steps against coronavirus

PHOENIX — As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona continues to grow, the Phoenix Fire Department is taking proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of its firefighters.

“We have an obligation to the customers we serve … But we also have to protect our members because, if we don’t protect them, who’s going to answer the call for 911?” Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade told KTAR News 92.3 FM. 

The measures to protect department members start in the 911 dispatch call center.

“Our dispatchers now are collecting information from people that call 911, asking if they have flu like symptoms or respiratory issues,” McDade said.

“If those answers are yes, firefighters will respond in full protective gear. That gear includes things like like goggles, masks, gowns, and medical gloves.”

Although masks and gloves aren’t uncommon for firefighters to wear, Captain McDade says most firefighters typically opt out of wearing the medical masks.

“Empathy is in our DNA, we like to have people see our facial expressions showing concerns while treating them,” McDade added.

“But unfortunately during this time we are going to have to have the masks on, the gloves on, the gowns on. And that may be jarring to some folks, but remember we’re doing that to protect you and our members.”

McDade added that department members will wear the protective gear during on every call to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“It’s a very unique situation being out at the airport,” He added. ”

You’re coming in from other parts of the country. We don’t know the manifest or where the person might be coming from, or where they’re coming from so we need to take universal precautions.”

The Phoenix Fire Department has circulated internal memos detailing their proactive measures and are said to be ramping up cleaning throughout their 60 fire stations throughout the city.

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