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FRIDAY UPDATE
Brothers and Sisters,
As we finish another week of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to pause to acknowledge our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives to this virus across the United States.
As first responders, we often don't acknowledge the dangers we face each day, but this virus has hit us very close to home in Torrance. Please see the request below from our brothers & sisters at Torrance Firefighters Association Local 1138 for a Brother who needs a plasma donation to fight COVID-19 diagnosis.
A Message from Torrance Firefighters
A Torrance Fire Engineer is in need of a plasma donation to help him fight his COVID illness. Specifically, he needs plasma donated from a fully recovered COVID patient so their antibodies may help boost his ability to fight back. Please see the below requirements. If you think you or someone you know fits the criteria, please contact Dr. Marc Cohen at emsdoc911@hotmail.com or click here to contact the American Red Cross.
Time is of the essence. Even if you aren’t a match for our brother, you could be for another patient who needs this therapy. PLEASE share this as much as possible. Please copy, paste, email, text, anything and everything, and pass it along. To qualify as a plasma donor, you must:
- Have had COVID as confirmed by a positive test.
- Already be recovered and have one of the following: your symptoms resolved at least 28 days prior to donation OR
- Your symptoms resolved 14 days prior to donation AND a repeat COVID test is negative
- Be one of the following:
- Male donor
- Female donor who has never been pregnant
- Female donor who has been tested since their most recent pregnancy and results interpreted as negative for HLA antibodies.
As we pray for him and his family and do everything in our power to ensure he receives the donation he needs, Local 1014 has also reached out to IAFF 10th District VP Frank Lima and Local 1138's President to see how we can help our Brother moving forward.
This is a stark reminder that our members face this danger every day out in the field. We are not out of the woods. Maintain proper PPE requirements, take them seriously and be vigilant about social distancing and cleaning procedures.
Social Distancing at Work
This week the Department issues OA8 in collaboration with all regional Fire Departments and Labor organizations to issue best practices for Social Distancing at Fire Stations and Worksites, the attached infographic is designed to “Keep Each Other Safe at the Fire Station” during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Review this document and take it seriously while at work to ensure we all do our part to slow the spread and protect those who are vulnerable or may have vulnerable family members at home.
Please be sure to also reference the Department COVID resources. They are located on the main intranet page for LACoFD in the highlighted box, which is in the center and is labeled COVID Resources. This link contains all COVID-19 related info including EAs, Exposure Reports and the COVID Dashboard which tracks suspected COVID cases through our EMS Dispatch System.
Peer Support and Telemental Health Services
In these extremely stressful times, as you continue to answer the call during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may help to talk to someone who understands the challenges of the job and the strain this deadly virus may be causing.
The Warriors Research Institute (WRI) - run by IAFF Behavioral Health partner Dr. Suzy Gulliver - is offering telemental health services at no cost to all IAFF members. We want to thank our Peer Support Coordinator Scott Ross, IAFF Master Peer Instructor, who reached out to the IAFF to ensure that this resource would be available for all our members who need it during this time.
Treatment is provided on a secure web platform by licensed therapists who have experience working with firefighters. Call in by phone or participate via your personal computer in the comfort of your own home. Treatment can address a range of behavioral health challenges and you do not need a specific diagnosis to participate. Learn more here.
Additionally, please remember to use the resources available through the Union from IAFF, and CPF including the Peer Support Program, which includes active, retiree and family resources, and the Healing Our Own website if you need help.
As always, please get your information from reliable and confirmed sources: Local 1014, Department EA’s, IAFF and CPF as well as FireSync App which all have COVID-19 information links with the COVID-19 reporting link as well. Click here to view all Local 1014 COVID-19 Resources.
Stay safe, take care of each other. Remember that your conduct both on and off duty with regard to social distancing, cleaning and proper PPE makes a difference in not only your health but the health of those you work with and their families. Be responsible and let us all do our part.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
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