GEMA helping 911 call centers protect first responders
(SOUTHWEST GEORGIA) – Through the help of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, 911 call centers will be able to help fire, law enforcement, and EMS learn where in their operating areas have been impacted by COVID-19.
Lee County E-911 Coordinator, Nikkie Celinski tells us, “The list will allow the 911 center to alert first responders discretely if the address responded to has a confirmed case. We won’t be giving the names of the patients, but we will be giving the address.
The list marks any locations where there has been a confirmed case of Coronavirus in the previous 21 days.
In Lee County, having this list helps with added precautions.
“Our Fire Chief, David Forrester said that having positive COVID-19 addresses in the 911 center will greatly enhance the safety of the first responders to that location. It’ll be given to them en route to the address so they can prepare,” says Celinski.
Out in Cook County, EMA Director, Johnny West says they’re taking every possible step to protect their first responders.
West says, “Our fire, law, and EMS, they’re already taking the precautions. Our EMS is handling every patient right now as if they are a COVID-19 patient.”
The Georgia Department of Public Health says first responders will continue to make proper preparations on calls, regardless of if an address is on the list.
