West Palm Beach, FL (March 23, 2020) – On March 16, 2020, West Palm Beach Firefighters responded to an emergency medical call for person who fell, but was uninjured. Dispatch screened the patient with a series of questions to rule out possible infection with COVID-19. Based on the patient’s response to the questions, the patient was not suspicious for possible infection. When crews arrived, they repeated the screening questions. Once again, based on the patient’s answers, the patient was not suspected of possible infection and the patient was helped up.
The patient refused transport to the hospital. Later that evening, the patient fell again, and again only wanted help up. The patient then called a third time and was transported to the hospital. It was not until the patient was in the truck that they stated a family member had traveled recently. The firefighters then alerted the hospital of the possible infection with COVID-19 prior to arrival at the emergency room.
On March 20th, 2020, the Fire Department was notified by the hospital that the patient tested positive. Three firefighters have been taken out of service and placed on home quarantine out of an abundance of caution. None of these firefighters are exhibiting any symptoms as of today, seven days past the patient contact.
If you feel you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, contact the Palm Beach County Department of Health at 561-840-4500.
Information on Coronavirus, COVID-19 is available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/.
