Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Brothers and Sisters,

We have all seen the recent reports of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to California. As first responders, we are on the frontline of this health crisis. Your Union, together with the Department, is committed to ensuring our members remain safe and healthy as we attend to the public and provide medical care to those who need it. 

Please read the safety information below and take these precautions very seriously both in the field and at home. 

Important things to remember: 

• Fully review the text of all dispatched calls, including what may be on page 2. Our dispatchers are doing a thorough interrogation of all callers and flagging potential COVID-19 cases so it is imperative that personnel review that information before charging in but recognize it is only one tool and not all potential cases will be flagged.
• Members should exercise appropriate precautions when responding to any patient with signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection.
• Initial assessment should begin from a distance of at least 6 feet from the patient, if possible.
• Patients suspected to have COVID_19 should be covered with a surgical mask immediately. 
• During transport, limit the number of providers in the patient compartment to essential personnel to minimize possible exposures.
• Large droplet spread is the most significant factor in the transmission of COVID-19. 
• High exposure risk procedure such as intubation, suctioning ventilation, nebulizer, etc which may produce vapor, may increase risk of large droplet exposure
• The use of proper PPE (N95 for rescuers, a surgical mask for PT, gown, goggles, and gloves) will effectively prevent the transmission of COVID-19
• Continue to re-enforce the importance and use of proper PPE as well as PPE conservation due to the international run on supplies.  
• Hand sanitizers/wipes are a good intermediary measure when hand washing is not possible but hands washing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds should occur as soon as possible.
• Additionally, all equipment should be thoroughly cleansed utilizing purple or grey top wipes; note the surface needs to stay moist for 2 minutes (purple top) or  3 minutes (grey top) for effective

**All members need to thoroughly review and understand EA-99 and the attached COVID-19 Field Operations Guide. Copies of the guide have been pushed to all iPad EPCR’s and printed copies shall be carried by Panasonic EPCR users. Make copies for all apparatus.**

Please review the attached COVID-19 Feild Guide for First Responders distributed by the Department. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Clayton Kazan, Medical Director, Emergency Medical Services Bureau, at (323) 267-7153, or via email at clayton.kazan@fire.lacounty.gov.  If urgent contact is needed, please contact the Dispatch Supervisor at (323) 881-6183, and request Dr. Kazan to be contacted.

Stay safe out there, take care of each other and remember to use the proper Personal Protective Equipment at all times. 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board