With two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Marion County as of Monday afternoon, Marion County first responders are wanting to remind residents they are prepared to handle calls regarding COVID-19. When crews respond to a potential call in regards to COVID-19, citizens should not be alarmed, says Chief Cal Wyman with Knoxville Fire and Rescue. Chief Wyman says crews will be dressed in an array of different personal protective equipment when responding to a potential COVID-19 call and says citizens should not panic if they see crews responding. He says just because a crew responds to a call, it does not mean the call is a confirmed case of COVID-19. He says the responders are just taking the correct personal protection when responding, to keep themselves and others safe.  

Pella Ambulance Director Greg Higginbotham tells KNIA/KRLS News its business as usual for his crews and all the responders throughout Marion County. Higginbothams says responders are set up in skeleton crews, which means less crew members responding to calls. He says this is designed to limit exposure to crew members as another way to stay safe and limit the spread of the disease.  

Marion County first responders have staged four ambulances throughout the county in Knoxville, Pella, Pleasantville and Melcher-Dallas, all set to respond to any potential COVID-19 call. Residents are also advised that first responders throughout the county will also be wearing protective gear when responding to calls not associated with COVID-19 to help limit crew exposure and help slow the spread of the disease.