the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ ,Times have changed, and so has our uniform. Due to the potential for COVID-19 related illnesses, Ridgewood Emergency Service personnel will be wearing enhanced Personal Protective Equipment on certain calls deemed to have a high risk of exposure to respiratory illness. This is to protect our first responders, so they are able to stay healthy and continue to respond to other medical emergencies.
You can expect that all responses to emergencies will always be without hesitation by the First Responders, and the excellent standard of care and compassion provided to all those in need remain the same. Please don’t be alarmed by the Responders use of masks, goggles, gloves and possibly a protection suit. This is for everyone’s protection and safety.
Please reserve calls to 911 for emergencies only. For other than emergencies, you may call the non-emergency number for the Ridgewood Police Department 201-652-3900.
If you do need to call 911 for any Emergency Services from the Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services/Ambulance, in addition to providing your name, address and nature of the emergency. PLEASE notify the dispatcher if ANYONE in your home has travelled from Europe or Asia recently or may have been exposed to COVID-19 or is exhibiting flu like symptoms. This notification will lead our First Responders to taking the proper precautions, prior to arrival at your home.
Please feel safe in knowing that Ridgewood Emergency Services follows the EMS guidance issued by the CDC, appropriate public health authorities and EMS medical direction. We ask that any family members provide their own transportation to the hospital and not ride in the ambulance.
All first responders practice the recommended personal cleaning procedures, as well as the proper isolation/disposal of contaminated effects. The equipment and vehicle are cleaned and disinfected after each patient call, regardless of any possible exposure.
