Even while physical distancing, firefighters ensure base populace, community stays safe

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department is taking extra measures to ensure their first responders remain healthy and ready to serve the RAF Mildenhall community.

While response capabilities to cover aircraft, structural, hazardous material and medical emergencies have not diminished, the firefighters are taking extra precautions when considering medical exposure.

“In the event of such a need, we’ve generated a response kit which allows us to minimize exposure by providing the first responder with individual isolation,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Howard, 100th CES Fire Department NCO-in-charge of training, explaining that the kit covers 100 percent of the body and is disposable.

“Our dispatchers are trained to provide us with the most relevant information – when a distress call comes through to the emergency communications center, they immediately utilize a checklist to confirm potential signs and symptoms to better prepare our response crews prior to arriving on scene,” he added. “In certain circumstances, we’ll rely heavily on our advanced medical partners to assess the situation and determine proper intervention.”

Howard explained that their mission of educating the public and providing safety assurances to the base community will not change, and said they continue to stand by for times of uncertainty or crisis. He emphasized that during this time of pandemic, the firefighters are practicing physical distancing, along with everyone else.

“Our management staff has been divided up to assist our brothers and sisters in the operations section. The operational civilian force has regularly functioned based on four ‘watches’ – each watch consists of a group of 13 members, making up Red, Blue, Green and White watch,” he remarked.

While most firefighters continue to come into work, some are teleworking and spending their time adjusting policy and informing the fire department of crucial updates. Both the fire chief and deputy fire chief have been in constant communication with other fire chiefs throughout the Air Force since early February, ensuring they stay ahead of response tactics to combat COVID-19.

“We’ve been pretty active and taken aggressive steps to keep our firefighters safe and healthy,” said Chief Master Sgt. Travis Clawson, RAF Mildenhall’s fire chief. “We are continually evaluating our operations to ensure we are doing the best for an ever-changing environment. My number one goal is to protect my firefighters so they can continue to respond effectively to base emergencies and protect the rest of the base populous.”

In addition to their regular routine of training, physical fitness and cooking meals, among other requirements, they have incorporated station-wide sanitizing, conducted daily throughout each common-use part of the fire department.

“Our service is exactly the same, it’s just how we assess risk and provide emergency assistance that has been adjusted,” Howard said. “By prioritizing social distancing and practicing heightened response awareness, we remain committed to our mission. Rest assured, if there is a threat to life, we are ready!”