Statement from Chief Fernando Gray regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the safety of responders and the community.
The safety of our first responders is paramount for Aurora Fire Rescue. The importance of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) has become a newsworthy topic during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPE is vital to the protection of healthcare workers like our firefighters and paramedics to prevent cross contamination in our community. Based upon this factor, I’ve collaborated with our department’s Medical Director to enhance our current protocols related to donning the appropriate eyewear, gloves, gowns and masks on emergency calls. The use of PPE is not a new concept for our department, and because we had implemented these best practices prior to COVID-19 concerns we already had the required items in our inventory.
Aurora Fire Rescue has enough supplies to support operations for the next 10-14 days. Due to the enhanced process we’ve put in place following state and national best practices for isolation, our inventory “burn rate” on PPE will increase and additional items will be needed in the coming weeks. We continue to work with our regular equipment providers and with the state to acquire supplies and maintain an adequate inventory. I am so very proud of the men and women of Aurora Fire Rescue who continue to work diligently and professionally to meet this unprecedented challenge facing our country, community and department.