Emergency Personnel Fully Staffed to Respond to All Calls
Big Bear Lake, CA/March 18, 2020– Big Bear Fire Department crews are fully staffed and ready to respond to all calls. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety and security of our administrative staff and visitors, the Department’s administrative office is closed to public access until further notice. Administrative staff will continue to be available to service the community to the best of their ability.
If administrative services are required, please call the headquarters office at (909) 866-7566. Fire Chief Jeff Willis stated, “We want to do what we can to keep this novel coronavirus from spreading. We believe social distancing is the best plan of action at this moment.” He added, “Our paramedic crews are following San Bernardino County recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines while working with Bear Valley Community Hospital in preparation for any cases we may encounter in the valley.”
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your personal physician for medical advice. If fire department paramedics are called, the 9-1-1 dispatcher will ask specific questions to identify whether the patient is showing signs of the virus. If the patient is showing signs and an ambulance responds, one crew member dressed in protective gear will approach the door and place a mask on the patient prior to treatment. The patient may be escorted to the ambulance in lieu of meeting the patient at the door. If more than one crew member is needed, assistance will be provided. If deemed necessary, transport will be made to Bear Valley Community Hospital.
BBFD is continuously monitoring COVID-19 changes and will make adjustments to protocol as required. Guidance for First Responders and Law Enforcement has been posted and is available on the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health website at: http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/
For additional information and current updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov or call San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (800) 722-4794.
