LAFD Firefighters Recovering After Positive Test For Coronavirus, Department Taking Extra Precautions
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) - Two Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters are recovering Wednesday after testing positive for COVID-19.
Nearly 80 LAFD personnel have been tested for coronavirus starting last week, according to LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange.
Only firefighters who "had symptoms consistent" with COVID-19 were tested, Prange said.
Both firefighters who tested positive are currently at home recovering.
LAFD Capt. Erik Scott says COVID-19 is impacting the way the department responds to emergency calls.
"If it's a suspected COVID-19 patient, that 911 dispatcher will notify that member arriving on scene by ambulance or fire engine to don additional personal equipment to ensure they are safe," said Scott.
Once fire crews are dispatched, Scott says they will take additional steps to protect patients and themselves.
"We will use a 'one in, one out' rule," he explained. "What that means is one firefighter will be inside near that patient talking to them and asking questions and getting a history, doing that from 6 feet away."
