Marilu Trainor
For first responders, staying home isn’t an option. Have you ever thought about what it’s like to work as a Goodyear firefighter during the COVID-19 pandemic?
On The Team
The Goodyear Fire Department has more than 100 firefighters, who are also trained as emergency medical technicians and paramedics, staffing the city’s seven fire stations strategically located throughout the community. As an “all hazards” fire department, they respond to varying calls to include fires, car crashes, and medical emergencies.
Start of the Day
Goodyear firefighter’s work 48-hour shifts.
“We have procedures in place to disinfect our living quarters at least twice every 24 hours. All personnel wear a mask inside the fire station, when in the fire trucks, and out in public. Since we live and operate in close quarters, we make every effort to socially distance from each other,” said Mario Santos, a captain/paramedic with the Goodyear Fire Department.
“Access to the fire stations is strictly limited, with all personnel entering through a single-entry point where their temperatures can be taken, and we assess if they have a cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms first before starting a shift. We then clean and disinfect the cab of the fire truck and all their equipment,” said Captain Santos.
When You Call
When someone calls 911, they are asked if they are having symptoms related to COVID-19 and if they have been around anyone who is sick. Additionally, the call taker obtains information about the current medical complaint or situation. The call takers also are trained to provide first aid and CPR instructions over the phone. This allows dispatch to notify the crews while they are en route.
On a suspected COVID-19 call, two firefighters, who are also trained paramedics and EMTs, dress in full personal protective equipment (googles, N95 mask, gloves, and gown) and will attempt to get the patient outside for assessment. If this cannot be safely done, assessment and treatment will begin inside the house with the remaining two crew members on standby outside. This is done to reduce the exposure to infection. A mask is placed on the patient and their temperature and vital signs are checked.
After a Shift
“Prior to leaving the fire station to go home, our firefighters often shower and change clothes in order to reduce the exposure to their family and friends. They also wash their uniforms and bedding at the fire station so that work related items are not taken home,” said Santos.
Local Impact
Even with these added safety protocols, in the past year an untold number of firefighters, EMT’s, and paramedics have been diagnosed with COVID-19 across the country. Despite the risk, our Goodyear firefighters are heroes to many of us who reside in PebbleCreek, and they are always ready to respond to an emergency with integrity, unity, and excellence.
Please join me as we salute the brave women and men of the Goodyear Fire Department who are working hard for our safety.