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Henrico County is modifying its public safety response practices due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and is urging citizens to call 911 only during life-threatening emergencies.
“Henrico is committed to protecting the health and safety of our community during this unprecedented event,” Fire Chief Alec Oughton said. “We ask the public to help us by calling 911 only for life-threatening emergencies and to remain patient, as we have modified some of our response protocols to protect the community and our public safety workers as well as to limit our use of personal protective equipment to times they are truly needed.
“For residents who are already being judicious with 911 requests, your dispatchers, firefighters and volunteer rescue squad members thank you.”
The county is modifying its emergency response practices in several ways.
First, emergency dispatchers will ask additional questions when someone calls 911, as a way to gather more information about the situation and assess any potential health risks.
Second, non-emergency calls for service may include a phone call from a nurse or an emergency medical technician, who will discuss options with the caller and may recommend treatment from a primary care physician or urgent care center. They also may dispatch a unit to assist.
Third, once crews arrive on scene, emergency medical personnel may initially have only one representative approach to assess the situation, as a way to make the best use of personal protective equipment and to limit potential exposure to COVID-19. Responders may be wearing such equipment.
Finally, callers are asked to meet emergency responders at the front door, as a way to protect the home or facility and limit potential spread of the virus.
