Firefighters adapt in age of COVID-19

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The death of a firefighter in early April highlighted how COVID-19 has changed things.

Normally, area firefighters would have taken part in a major funeral for Rob Phillips, a deputy district fire chief with the Brant County fire department, who died April 7 at age 43.

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But that wasn’t possible due to orders from the Brant County Health Unit, said Brant Fire Chief Geoff Hayman.

“That was the first firefighter death in the province since the pandemic,” he said.

“When he died, we had an honour guard outside his house overnight, but socially distancing.”

A week before Phillips died, Brant firefighters and others joined in a parade of more than 100 fire vehicles past his home.  with many people waving signs of support. Technology was to send messages to the family.

“We pride ourselves on being able to well support the family of someone in a case like that but you can’t do that much when you have distancing in place,” said Hayman.

Because of COVID-19, firefighters are taking extra steps to protect both themselves and the public.

Stations are staggering shift changes, cancelling or changing training sessions and using videoconferencing technology and conference calls to communicate.

“There’s definitely a heightened sense of awareness of COVID-19 and the importance for all firefighters to take necessary precautions,” said Todd Binkley, Brantford’s acting fire chief since the retirement April 20 of Shane Caskanette.

“I’m very proud of how all our personnel have responded and their dedication to this city.”

Binkley said the city fire department made changes on the advice of health professionals.

Fire halls have been closed to the public and administrative staff and those doing fire prevention work are mainly working from home. Washing hands, sanitizing items and other safety measures are now mandatory before entering a hall.

“Everyone is required to complete sanitation when they come in and, along with Brant County paramedics, we do a pre-screening for COVID symptoms where possible,” Binkley said.

But screening members of the public for COVID symptoms may not be possible in emergencies.

“That’s where we can only ensure our workers are wearing proper personal protective equipment at all times,” said Binkley.

Brant’s volunteer firefighters, who are called to emergencies from their homes, are guarding against the risk of virus infection.

“The first guy in usually grabs the disinfectant and sprays everyone’s hands,” said Hayman.

“We take some extra time and really clean the trucks after a call. And when there’s a request for medical assistance we use the screening questions.”

With people in isolation, Hayman said the fire department has seen a reduction in calls because people are doing fewer “silly things like driving into cars and trees.”

SGamble@postmedia.com
@EXPSGamble