Covid-19 Update
Your Fire Department is pursuing knowledge daily from the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health, local hospital policies and other agencies regarding how to best protect the public and our members. Our Organization is committed to the health and safety of all our residents and those visiting our Township.
It is important that we reiterate how important it is to limit the spread of this virus. One of the best pieces of advice I recently heard was to NOT live like you didn’t want to catch the illness, but live like you had it and didn’t want to infect others.
Currently, neither Bloom Township Fire Department station is allowing visitors.
These tips from the CDC can help you avoid contracting AND spreading the virus:
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Avoid close contact with one another (6 ft minimum)
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Wash your hands often with soap and water (20 seconds minimum)
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Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol often
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
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Stay home if you’re sick, especially if you have a fever, coughing or sneezing
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If you are sick at home, wear a facemask when you must be around other people
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Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
What if I’m sick?
If you are ill, we recommend isolating yourself from others. Having the symptoms of Covid-19, without associated severe symptoms (shortness of breath for example) may not warrant a trip to an ER or calling 911. Again, limiting exposure to others is the best way to stop the spread. Going to the ER or calling 911 when you don’t have other serious symptoms may unduly expose yourself or others to the virus. If you do feel you are experiencing a medical emergency DO NOT HESITATE to call 911. Severe symptoms may include; difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or altered mental status.
If you call 911
It is vital that emergency services receive all pertinent information when 911 is called. If you call 911, please notify them if you or anyone in your home has been out of the country or if anyone in the home is experiencing any type of illness.
What is the Fire Department’s current response to a 911 EMS call?
We must stress that NO individual will be turned away or receive a lesser level of care for any reason. However, if you are evaluated by our crews and found to not have serious signs or symptoms, we may guide you on the necessity of being transported to the Emergency Department. At this time testing is very limited to only those with certain criteria. Being transported to the ED may only increase the chance of contracting Covid-19.
If the fire department is called, one member will come into the home first to evaluate the patient. Once a determination has been made by the in-charge medic regarding the course of action, others may join them in various forms of PPE. Do not be alarmed by the PPE, this is in place to protect you as well as the crew.
Importance of cooperating with isolation efforts
It is vital that all of us attempt to adhere to good isolation guidelines, especially if you are in a vulnerable population. This includes avoiding being in public for any reason other than what is completely necessary, such as vital needs from the store or doctor appointments.
Vulnerable populations may include:
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Adults over 40
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People with underlying heart or respiratory illness
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People with compromised immunity systems
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Pregnant women
Please know that we at Bloom Township are doing all we can to stop the spread of this virus as well as protect our citizens and our members. I believe that together we can all get through this.
Below are links to more information
Thoughtfully,
Thomas Williams
Interim Bloom Township Fire Chief
