MAS takes precautions to protect paramedics against COVID-19

When it comes to staying safe, the Metro Ambulance Service in Meridian takes extra measures when responding to calls--that includes dressing from head to toe in PPE.

“We wear the gloves, the mask and we have an apron we put on that covers us down our arms and down our legs. We do have face shields that we can wear,” Emergency Medical Technician Jacob Mott explains.

As paramedics head to the scene, they are informed by dispatch if the patient has COVID-19. Morgan says the COVID-19 response have decreased since the beginning of the pandemic.

“At the very beginning when it first hit--about five a day and now it’s one or two a day--sometimes none a day,” said Paramedic Zac Morgan.

Once the patient is hooked up to medical equipment, they are checked for additional measures.

“You’ll hook up and get their heart rhythm, their pulse, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and it’ll show everything there on the screen,” says Mott.

The Metro Ambulance Service thoroughly cleans their masks in a mask disinfected chamber previously given to them by Mississippi State students. Mott says it’s an honor to serve at this time.

“It’s very important to me to get out and help people, it’s what I enjoy doing. That’s why I’m in this field.”