SMETHPORT — The McKean County Department of Emergency Services activated extended efforts earlier in the week in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19.

Equipment, resources and personnel have been inventoried to identify any threats to an increase in emergency services needs resulting from the crisis.

The McKean County Department of Emergency Services has received a shipment from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used strictly for ambulance, Quick Response Services (QRS) and fire department personnel. Items received included gowns, face shields, N95 masks, patient masks and gloves.

“Supplies are still limited and the potential impact of a sudden and sharp rise in cases will create a burden on our first responders and healthcare providers,” said McKean County Deputy EMA Director Gerard Rettger. “This shipment will help to protect our personnel as they carry out their duties in serving the publics medical needs, as cases emerge we will need to reassess additional needs.”

Services will be notified when and where they can pick up the valuable and much needed supplies.

As of Friday, the following municipalities have declared a state of

emergency: McKean County, Bradford City, Bradford Township, Foster Township, Hamlin Township, Keating Township, Liberty Township, Mount Jewett Borough, Otto Township, Port Allegany Borough and Smethport Borough.

McKean County 911 Coordinator Joel Anderson explained, “There is a change in procedure for evaluating incoming 911 calls. In order to identify COVID-19 exposure, callers will be asked a series of questions and if a case is identified as suspect COVID-19, dispatchers will notify emergency responders to take precautionary measures.”

Another vital component of DES is provide information to anyone involved in the provision of emergency services and to the public who may need emergency assistance. “Anyone who becomes ill is reminded that the Department of Health has issued protocol to first call your medical provider or medical facility or the Department of Health. Patients will be advised how to proceed,” said DES Director Tracy Carl.

Anderson added, “Patients who arrive in an ambulance will be triaged (evaluated) by hospital staff and will not receive priority treatment. Patients who arrive at the hospital by private vehicle will also be prioritized by the severity of symptoms and need for treatment.”