Newly purchased germ-killing machines ensure EMS safety during pandemic

DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. – Dougherty County is taking steps to prioritize the safety of their employees and patients with the purchase of two new germ-killing machines.

The County Commission unanimously approved the $39,400 purchase of the decontamination equipment for Emergency Medical Services personnel and those who ride in their ambulances.

The two machines are capable of killing the coronavirus, influenza other viruses and bacteria and even bed bugs.

Machine sanitizes inside of ambulance. (Source: Dougherty County)

Sam Allen, EMS director, says, “The paramedics and EMT’s are our most vital asset of this department. They are doing an amazing job out there, our call volume has greatly increased, the stress factor is already high enough already. By being able to provide this, this takes a load of relief off the paramedics knowing that their work space is being taken care of by the county.”

These machines will sanitize an ambulance within 11 minutes versus the 8 hours they would have to wait for their old equipment to sanitize.