MARION (WSIL) -- For much of 2020, first responders had to find ways to stay safe while helping COVID-19 patients.
United Medical Response, an ambulance company based in Salem, focused on safety in the wake of the pandemic.
Michael Willis, captain of United Medical's fourth division in Marion, says it began with changes to decontamination efforts.
"[We wanted to] make sure we were taking the steps necessary to keep our patients safe... and our staff," Willis said. "We have to really slow down, take the time to wear our PPE... protect ourselves before we go into that scene."
The Marion unit consists of about two dozen members, including EMTs, paramedics and a nurse. EMTs and paramedics are equipped with Power Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) when they head to a call.
Once the patient is at a hospital, decontamination begins. Before removing any gear, the group starts by wiping down the stretcher. Once it's dry, the stretcher is placed back into the ambulance
Crews then activate a ultraviolet (UV-C) light and leave place it in the front and back of the vehicle for 20 minutes each. Crews later remove their PAPRs and place them in a room with the UV-C light for 20 minutes.
Willis says the UV-C light breaks down the virus' DNA and inhibits its ability to replicate.
The extra work hasn't slowed down the group's response times. Willis says the average response time is five minutes, thanks to a rotation of vehicles they're able to use.
Willis says United Medical spent more than $20,000 on equipment and PPE for the Marion squad. And it was money well-spent. Marion has the only United Medical unit without a staff member to test positive for COVID-19.
Willis lost a relative to COVID-19 a few weeks ago and hopes people can show patience so first responders don't become patients themselves.
"If we get sick there's no one to replace us so we have to take care of ourselves," Willis said. "Take it serious, wear a mask, social distance and hopefully the vaccine will be ready to go soon."
United Medical began operations in Salem back in the fall of 2018. It has locations in Centralia, Herrin and Marion. It's fifth division, located in Mt. Vernon, is on track to open in the spring.
