Imogen Rawlings-Green, Editor
@irawlingcourant
Our first responders have dedicated their time to serve our community during a period of uncertainty and loss. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these responders have taken lessons away from their experiences and hope to install these lessons in the future. They have also shared their advice on what the rest of the community can do to help return to a healthier society.
Takeaways for future
Facing this pandemic, New Canaan emergency medical technician (EMT) Bonnie Rumilly believes that New Canaan EMS will be even stronger than before as a result of living through COVI-19. “We need to look at adversity and use it to build resilience. This situation is challenging on so many levels, but through adversity and difficulty comes growth and change” Ms. Rumilly said.
New Canaan EMT Tracy Evans said that all of us play a part, whether we are delivering anesthesia to someone who needs emergency surgery or staying home on the couch. “Together as a community, as a network of first responders, as neighbors, as humans, we all have a role in this,” Ms. Evans said.
Bridgeport EMT Kevin Burwell said that his crew has learned to be proactive instead of reactive. “That protective personal equipment (PPE) is extremely important,” Mr. Burwell said. “Taking the time to prepare prior to entering a scene is of the utmost importance.”
One EMT deployed in Brooklyn, New York said that everyone needs to listen to the experts and follow safety guidelines and social distancing.
What People Can Do
A New York EMT recommended that people stay home and try not to go to the hospital unless it is an absolute emergency. “Wash your hands all the time and use hand cream so they don’t get cracked,” she said.
Mr. Burwell emphasized the importance of staying safe to help prevent a future return of the virus that could be worse than before and result in thousands of more deaths. “People need to wear masks, wash their hands, and understand that if we don’t follow these procedures this virus will continue to spread,” he said.
Ms. Rumilly advised adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Town and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). “If people continue to wear their protective equipment and adhere to social distancing guidelines, they are doing their part to protect themselves and their community,” she said. “If everyone does their part we will see the difference we all pray for.”
Not only does everyone need to be safe and smart in these times, but Ms. Evans also recognizes the need for people to return to work: “I fully recognize the economic and financial need for people to work. I think as a community, as a country, and as a world we value work. That is how people value themselves many times. People who work typically spend more time at work with colleagues in waking hours than they do with their families. I think people need to be smart and I think people need to go back to work. But, rather than just open the flood gates and let everyone go to work, we need to be smart and set up schedules, hours, and shifts,” Ms. Evans said. “It scares me to hear things like the mayor of Las Vegas who wants to open the casinos, stadiums, or shows. I get that there are athletes, but this is a world crisis and people need to be smart about re-opening. Some people get complacent about contracting the virus and think ‘not me, not me’. Well, I just buried a 21-year old patient last week so it could be you.”
