The Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), Georgeina Whelan (pictured) has moved to reassure the community that emergency services will not be interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Whelan said paramedics and firefighters would continue to support the community to respond to calls for help.
“What has changed are the processes and procedures in how we respond to manage the spread of COVID-19,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“We are closely following the advice from ACT Health and will continue to adapt our processes to ensure the safety of our community and personnel.”
She said ESA staff and volunteers were a well-trained, highly competent and flexible workforce that was prepared to adapt to emergency situations to ensure the safety of the community remained a priority.
“This was demonstrated during recent months as ESA successfully responded to the Orroral Valley Fire, Beard Fire and major hail and storm activity in the ACT,” Commissioner Whelan said.
She said first responders were committed to taking measures to keep themselves and the community safe when responding to a potential COVID-19 incident.
“ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) have existing protocols and actions in place to respond to infectious diseases as part of their business as usual.
“This includes responding to jobs wearing Personal Protection Clothing and Equipment (PPC and PPE) and routine cleaning of vehicles, which will continue to occur following potential exposure to COVID-19.”
She said all ACT ESA services would be undertaking routine cleaning of vehicles and stations and limiting community contact outside of essential work duties.
“Community events and engagements have been postponed or rescheduled,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“All ESA personnel and volunteers are being urged to follow advice from ACT Health, remain vigilant and maintain their personal hygiene and avoid close contact where possible,” she said.
