Editor's note: Find Firehouse.com's complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
In response to the continuing global outbreak of the coronavirus, the International Association of Fire Fighters held a briefing for its members Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
"Our intent today is simply to provide some information this morning, as updated as we have it," said Harold Schaitberger, IAFF's president, who added that the group did not want to contribute to any undue hysteria surrounding the health crisis.
To that end, organizers of Tuesday's event had been in contact with the Centers of Disease Control, Johns Hopkins University and other health care professionals across the country to provide accurate information about the virus and how first responders should handle potential cases, Schaitberger said. Along with the briefing, the IAFF will continue to answer questions with updates to its online tool kit, which outlines the tips, tactics and techniques to dealing with the virus.
Tuesday's event comes on the heels of the coronavirus directly affecting first responders across the country. Last week, 27 Kirkland, WA, firefighters were quarantined after responding to cases of the virus at a local care center. On Monday, an FDNY EMT tested positive for the coronavirus and was the first confirmed case in that department.
Watch the above video for the complete IAFF briefing.
Coronavirus Guides
- International Association of Fire Fighters Tool Kit
- International Association of Fire Chiefs Resource Page
- EPA List of Disinfectants to Use Against COVID-19
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