Covic -19 Update
4/17/20
All Members,Covid-19 Update
In following with the most recent Executive order issued by the Governor, (face covering in public areas where 6’ social distancing can’t be maintained)
Effective immediately, we are requiring all members, while riding on the apparatus, for your protection and the protection of everyone on board that you wear your face mask. The face masks provided are not washable. At anytime you feel you need a replacement please reach out to your Captain’s. I will be providing them with extra’s for the stations. Here is a general CDC guideline as to when they need to be replaced immediately. You are still required to wear on calls when in contact with the public. I have to say on the past several calls everyone has done a great job with wearing the masks. Thank you. If you have not received your masks please contact your captain ASAP. We are carrying extra’s in the Chief’s cars, as well as the black boxes we placed on the apparatus have some as well. If you take one off of the rigs, please notify your captain so they may be replaced.
Respirator Reuse RecommendationsThere is no way of determining the maximum possible number of safe reuses for an N95 respirator as a generic number to be applied in all cases. Safe N95 reuse is affected by a number of variables that impact respirator function and contamination over time. (18, 19) However, manufacturers of N95 respirators may have specific guidance regarding reuse of their product. The recommendations below are designed to provide practical advice so that N95 respirators are discarded before they become a significant risk for contact transmission or their functionality is reduced.
Discard N95 respirators following use during aerosol generating procedures.Discard N95 respirators contaminated with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids from patients.Discard N95 respirators following close contact with any patient co-infected with an infectious disease requiring contact precautions.Consider use of a cleanable face shield (preferred3) over an N95 respirator and/or other steps (e.g., masking patients, use of engineering controls), when feasible to reduce surface contamination of the respirator.Hang used respirators in a designated storage area or keep them in a clean, breathable container such as a paper bag between uses. To minimize potential cross-contamination, store respirators so that they do not touch each other and the person using the respirator is clearly identified. Storage containers should be disposed of or cleaned regularly.Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after touching or adjusting the respirator (if necessary, for comfort or to maintain fit).Avoid touching the inside of the respirator. If inadvertent contact is made with the inside of the respirator, discard the respirator and perform hand hygiene as described above.
Any further questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Lew DarrowChief
All Members,Covid-19 Update
In following with the most recent Executive order issued by the Governor, (face covering in public areas where 6’ social distancing can’t be maintained)
Effective immediately, we are requiring all members, while riding on the apparatus, for your protection and the protection of everyone on board that you wear your face mask. The face masks provided are not washable. At anytime you feel you need a replacement please reach out to your Captain’s. I will be providing them with extra’s for the stations. Here is a general CDC guideline as to when they need to be replaced immediately. You are still required to wear on calls when in contact with the public. I have to say on the past several calls everyone has done a great job with wearing the masks. Thank you. If you have not received your masks please contact your captain ASAP. We are carrying extra’s in the Chief’s cars, as well as the black boxes we placed on the apparatus have some as well. If you take one off of the rigs, please notify your captain so they may be replaced.
Respirator Reuse RecommendationsThere is no way of determining the maximum possible number of safe reuses for an N95 respirator as a generic number to be applied in all cases. Safe N95 reuse is affected by a number of variables that impact respirator function and contamination over time. (18, 19) However, manufacturers of N95 respirators may have specific guidance regarding reuse of their product. The recommendations below are designed to provide practical advice so that N95 respirators are discarded before they become a significant risk for contact transmission or their functionality is reduced.
Discard N95 respirators following use during aerosol generating procedures.Discard N95 respirators contaminated with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids from patients.Discard N95 respirators following close contact with any patient co-infected with an infectious disease requiring contact precautions.Consider use of a cleanable face shield (preferred3) over an N95 respirator and/or other steps (e.g., masking patients, use of engineering controls), when feasible to reduce surface contamination of the respirator.Hang used respirators in a designated storage area or keep them in a clean, breathable container such as a paper bag between uses. To minimize potential cross-contamination, store respirators so that they do not touch each other and the person using the respirator is clearly identified. Storage containers should be disposed of or cleaned regularly.Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after touching or adjusting the respirator (if necessary, for comfort or to maintain fit).Avoid touching the inside of the respirator. If inadvertent contact is made with the inside of the respirator, discard the respirator and perform hand hygiene as described above.
Any further questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Lew DarrowChief
