Two City of Hagerstown firefighters and three Community Rescue Service (CRS) providers were first responders to a call for a person in need of critical medical attention on Friday, March 20, 2020 in the City of Hagerstown. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save the patient. It was later learned that the deceased tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, both City of Hagerstown firefighters are at home in self-isolation. Two CRS providers remain to work with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the third CRS provider is at home in self-isolation.
One agency, out of an abundance of caution, chose to quarantine both of their exposed providers.
The other agency followed Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) guidelines, due to staffing needs. Those guidelines require the provider to be monitored and to wear a face mask while working. If any employee shows symptoms they are immediately sent home to self-isolate and contact a health care provider. The employee that was sent home developed a fever and is currently awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. The provider remains in good spirits. All others involved have displayed no symptoms.
