Emergency responders special gear

They look scary in special gear

Keep some distance between us and others.

But what about the people whose job it is to keep the rest of us safe?

Abc 36's alexus larson reports emergency responders say they're using as many precautions as they can to stay healthy...while protecting the rest of us.

### "frankfort fire and ems responders might look a little bit different when they go out on a call.

That's because they're wearing new protective gear to keep them safe from the coronavirus."

"it's going to make us look scary but i promise it's just to keep us safe and not to spread it anybody else."

Frankfort firefighter michael bosley says this is a new outfit he's prepared to wear if needed.

"we're able to know if we're going into a possible coronavirus situation so that gives us time to prepare."

Dispatch lets responders know if there's a possible threat.

In february, dispatch started asking callers more questions... do they have a fever, have they been outside the u-s, or in contact with someone who has the virus?

"we're pre-screening calls to try to flag and identify people with fever, respiratory distress, or other signs and symptoms."

Fire chief wayne briscoe says if dispatch decides there's a threat... responders will put on this gear... the gown, mask, face shield, and gloves.

He says if possible only one person will work closely with the patient.

"we're probably going to the extreme but we need to maintain a healthy workforce."

Chief briscoe says the protective gear is only used once and then is properly thrown away at the hospital.

So far - he says there have only been about five calls responders have used the gear for.

Right now, he believes they're fully stocked... but if there's a rapid increase in calls... there could potentially be a shortage.

"do not get panicked or scared that you'll be exposed to something at that point."

"the chief isn't sure how long they'll have to wear this gear but he says they'll continue to do it as long as they need to keep people safe.

Reporting in frankfort, alexus larson, abc 36 news."

### keeneland also closing its spring meet