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Milwaukee Fire department combine efforts to take on COVID-19, police make plea for help

Posted at 9:26 PM, Mar 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-21 11:49:45-04

MILWAUKEE — As Milwaukee prepares for more COVID-19 patients, new changes come out from the first responders. The city said if anyone in the county dials 911 and believes they are a coronavirus patient, specialized fire departments are assembling to respond. On top of that, fire and police departments are asking for the public help to get personal protection equipment.

The message from Mayor Tom Barrett, who is in self-quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19, do not go out unless necessary. He said there might not be the "Shelter in Place" scenario yet, but he says people should be taking measures to stay home away from other people.

"There is a lot of conversations about what governors are doing. What it is called. The point is you are safer at home," said Barrett.

If someone in your family is sick with the coronavirus or thinks they might have it, and needs emergency medical services, all Milwaukee County Fire Departments are now working together to respond.

"We have three fire stations in the county staffed by paramedics and EMTs from all the fire departments in the county, and they will be responding to those calls that our emergency medical dispatching give us that may have those COVID signs and symptoms," said Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing.

Those paramedics will be in special protective gear. But the Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, and Milwaukee Police Department all say they are close to running out of personal protective equipment or PPEs. Milwaukee Police put out a video Friday night issuing a plea for help.

"Right now, we are asking our local business establishments that if you have any additional personal protection equipment including N95 masks that you donate a supply,' said Chief Alfonso Morales.

If you want to donate supplies the police are looking for:

  • N95 Masks
  • Disposable Protective Coverall Suits
  • Sanitizing Wipes
  • Eye Glasses/Goggles
  • Isolation Gowns
  • Hand Sanitizer

You can contact the Milwaukee Police Department at supportMPD@milwaukee.gov to donate.

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