Winnipeg front-line workers unprepared for Ebola: firefighters union

WINNIPEG — The head of Winnipeg’s firefighters union says front-line workers are not prepared for an Ebola outbreak.

“It is a remote chance, but we have to get ready for this,” said Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg.

Forrest met Tuesday with city department officials to better outline an Ebola virus preparedness strategy.

Masks, coveralls and fluid-resistant shoe coverings have already been issued to all Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service stations and an internal office memo went out Friday detailing the department’s approach.

If the 911 call centre identifies Ebola-like symptoms in a person who recently visited an Ebola-affected country, the closest paramedic unit with personnel trained in isolation practices will respond.

But Forrest said they still haven’t figured out how they will quarantine front-line workers who have potentially been exposed, where that quarantine would happen and how they would backfill those temporarily removed from their jobs.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic service says it would work with health officials on quarantine procedures, but that firefighter exposure to Ebola should remain low.

Every shift now has four teams of two paramedics who know what to look for, how to don the protective gear and how to protect themselves. They will be the ones to respond to Ebola related calls.  In the weeks ahead, 600 licensed personnel will also receive additional training.

“Even though the risks are low, we are taking them seriously because its the well being not only of our members, but the citizens of Winnipeg,” said Tom Wallace, Acting Assistant Chief, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.