Emergency medical personnel, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies are on the front lines dealing with COVID-19, as was evident by the confirmation of a Stuart Rescue staff member that tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday.

Stuart Rescue Director Sean Bovinett says they have been taking precautions and have responded to all calls with the notion that the patient could have COVID-19, “With the interstate and the rural areas that we service there’s obviously some patients, you know the trauma patients that aren’t going to be really suspected for COVID. However, one of the big things that have changed is as pretty evident, the addition of extra PPE (personal protective equipment). We’re wearing face masks when appropriate and not only do we have to use extra PPE for some of these patients but we also have been instructed from the state to limit that use of PPE.”

Bovinett says they are in good supply of personal protective equipment, but his agency may deem it necessary in the next few weeks to contact the Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Operations Center for extra supplies. He’s also grateful that the call volume has decreased by about 50 percent as compared to last year, partially attributed to a smaller amount of interstate traffic. He does note that while a part-time staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, there is no increased risk to the public or patients, and the community should have confidence that they can feel safe when dialing 911 for emergency services.