The fire service and the coronavirus crisis

The infectious disease COVID-19 has been spreading in Germany since 27 January 2020. Since 17 March, the virus has been classified in the risk category „high“ and since 26 March even as „very high“ for risk groups. The fire services responded to the novel virus very early on with measures, as suspected cases could have led to quarantine for the entire units at that time.

In mid-March, the first service instructions adapted to COVID-19 were published, which included extended infection protection measures and operational planning. Among other things, tactical regulations were drawn up, as well as general rules of hygiene and behaviour. There was also a ban on exercises and gatherings for the units and a ban on entering fire stations. Initially, these regulations were very strict in order to prevent the cancellation of a unit as much as possible. As the infection figures improved, the instructions were also relaxed. For example, the ban on entering fire stations was lifted. Meetings for exercises, meetings or to exchange information are once again permitted, provided that the rules of hygiene and behaviour are observed.
But what about during operations? The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) has published a leaflet for „Emergency services on dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus“. According to this leaflet, as few firefighters as possible should be deployed. Basic hygiene measures for non-medical operations according to the RKI scheme must also be observed:

• Compliance with hand hygiene
• Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 to 2 metres from other people who are coughing and/or sneezing
• Compliance with cough etiquette

People are also asked the following key questions:

• Do you have flu-like symptoms?
• Have you been in a risk area in the last 14 days?
• Have you had contact with a COVID-19 patient in the last 14 days?

If two questions are answered in the affirmative, a „reasonably suspected case“ can be assumed. In this case, the emergency services must now wear a particle-filtering FFP-3 mask to protect themselves. Furthermore, the Hanseatische Feuerwehr-Unfallkasse Nord (HFUK Nord) has published an information sheet for operations with suspected COVID-19 cases.

Thank you to all emergency services. Take care of yourselves and please stay healthy!