LAFD NEWS

Many residents have heard by now of a respiratory illness identified as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The majority of these cases are occurring in China; however, the virus has spread around the world. The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) would like to share with the public some information and steps they are taking with regards to the COVID-19.

The virus presents as a respiratory illness with mild to severe symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. The virus is spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, touching objects or surfaces with the virus then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. 

While respiratory illnesses are common this time of the year; the LAFD and medical professionals have well-established protocols for dealing with such illnesses and reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LAFD EMS providers will place a heightened emphasis on gathering travel histories and possible contact with others for patients showing signs of any respiratory illness.

This information will be tracked through LAFD’s EMS records management system and monitored closely. LAFD has taken additional steps to provide detailed training to all staff on guidelines to identify potential virus. For more information about the COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html