Crews from the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance are preparing for their first COVID-19 call. It's only a matter of time, according to Keith Long, the Chief of Operations. He predicts it will likely come in the next two weeks.

            Like medical professionals at most local hospitals, emergency responders are ready to don the necessary personal protective equipment for any patient who displays symptoms of the novel coronavirus. According to Long, a crew recently treated a patient who had been exposed to a person who tested positive for the virus.

            Call volume has dropped during the pandemic, according to Long. He said the organization – which includes three ambulances and 24 employees to provide advanced life support care for residents in East Greenville, Pennsburg, and Red Hill boroughs as well as Upper Hanover and Lower Milford townships – continues to respond to general medical issues. However, crews have begun thoroughly cleaning each ambulance after each call to help contain the pandemic.

            According to the chief, the association received a supply of gloves, N95 masks and gowns from Montgomery County officials. He said the responders also utilize face shields, which were incorporated during previous interactions with Ebola and the H1N1 virus.

            "We're waiting for more gowns," Long said.

            Emergency responders won't put on their PPE unless the county dispatcher informs them that the patient has symptoms that match the virus. The chief said it's vital that callers to 9-1-1 answer a series of questions honestly. According to Long, patients who have been in contact with persons identified as potential positives put the crew members and their families at risk.

            "People need to tell us the truth," he said. "We're asking for full disclosure."

            On March 20, the organization closed its Upper Hanover facility at 2199 E. Buck Road to the general public. It also restricted family members from riding in an ambulance to an emergency room unless absolutely necessary and/or at the crew's discretion. The changes were made to reduce the risk of exposure to the staff and hospital staff, according to information posted on its Facebook page.

            Crews at the Gilbertsville Area Community Ambulance Service – which provides Advanced Life Support services to residents in Douglass, New Hanover and portions of Upper Pottsgrove townships – are preparing to handle their first coronavirus case. The members are participating in drills organized by the service's training officer and by following rules mandated by the organization's two infectious control officers, according to Garry Schmoltze Sr., the Chief of Operations.

            "In our business, we have to stay up on the issues," said Schmoltze, who added that calls during the pandemic have remained steady.

            The service has closed its offices – located at 91 Jackson Road in Douglass Township – to the public. He said the citizens who want to stop by to make a donation need to call or email ahead of time.

            Schmoltze, a former police officer and current deputy coroner with the Montgomery County Coroner's Office, praised the leadership of Dr. Val Arkoosh, Chair of the County's Board of Commissioners. He described Arkoosh as a  "team captain" for emergency services in the county.