MIDDLEBOROUGH — Chief Lance Benjamino would like to inform residents of the latest efforts being taken by the Middleborough Fire Department to limit the spread of COVID-19 within the department and in the community.
All staff members for the department have been issued N95 masks, eye protection, medical exam gloves, medical gowns/Tyvek suits and fitted Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) masks with P100 particulate filters.
Additionally, all employees are being pre-screened prior to reporting for duty at the beginning of each shift and issued a Protocol and General Order for suspected COVID-19 responses.
When responding to calls in the community, Middleborough firefighters are adhering to the following protocol:
- Limit the number of personnel and equipment entering a building. If possible, EMS crews only should enter. Fire and police crews should wait outside and maintain a six-foot distance from family members and/or bystanders unless needed inside.
- All first responders shall don PPE (N95 or SCBA mask, medical exam gloves, gown or Tyvek suit and proper eye protection) prior to entering a building.
- All patients shall don a surgical mask or oxygen mask if clinically required.
- All disposable equipment shall be deposited into a biohazard bag and given to EMS for disposal. First responders should disinfect all reusable equipment, use hand sanitizer immediately, and avoid touching their face.
- All non-disposable equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected pursuant to manufacture instructions.
- Upon return to its respective station, the responding fire apparatus shall be disinfected (steering wheel, arm rests, shift selector, etc.) with CDC-recommended disinfectant and disposable towels.
Additionally, the Middleborough Fire station is closed to the public until further notice. The department is still taking burn permits through the main window at the station, which contains a six foot separation.
“Middleborough firefighters are prepared and ready to respond to the needs of the public during this difficult time,” Chief Benjamino said. “The health and safety of our residents and members of the department is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary precautions and follow all available guidelines for the duration of the public health crisis.”
The Middleborough Fire Department can be reached at their business line, 508-946-2461. As always, residents should dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Stay Informed
Middleborough residents are encouraged to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
- Middleborough Town Manager Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Middleborough-Town-Manager-1557165997897808
- Middleborough Health Department: https://www.middleborough.com/179/Health-Department
- Town of Middleborough Official Website: https://www.middleborough.com/
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19
- Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
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