With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading quickly and abruptly, Santa Maria firefighters are changing their day-to-day operations.
Fire crews will be screening patients before responding and routinely cleaning equipment in efforts to maintain a healthy workforce.
Dispatchers are asking questions regarding callers' travel history and symptoms before sending out crews.
Firefighters are also wearing more protective gear including gowns, masks and eye protection.
This added equipment is not what you would normally see on a typical medical call but, the extra precautionary measures are being made for the safety of everyone.
Other fire agencies across the Central Coast are taking similar safety measures in response to the pandemic.
