As the national and statewide landscape related to the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, this page for first responders provides resources and updates on state activities, executive orders, guidance for law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel, and more. The information here is updated when news details and guidance becomes available.
View the latest statistics, updated daily, on the coronavirus in Vermont.
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Any first-response organization that identifies possible cases of the coronavirus among staff or that has any other operational or capacity impacts should report them to the State Emergency Operations Center at 800-347-0488.
Staying healthy and available to respond to public emergencies is imperative for first responders. Our personal well-being is the backbone to maintaining our response capabilities during this current COVID-19 pandemic. If your agency experiences a shortage of staff due to illness, you should utilize your currently approved and operational mutual aid agreements for initial coverages. Should conditions warrant a lengthier timeframe of coverage or an increase of staff depletion due to illness, the state EOC can work out logistics and planning of assistance with regional and state partners.
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The Department of Public Safety recommends all first responders utilize the following precautions:
- Review and understand the PPE (personal protective equipment) policies of your agency.
- Inventory your PPE supplies and ensure they are readily available for use.
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water often, and use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Utilize situational awareness on all requests for assistance, and always be cognizant of your surroundings and other team members.
- Immediately notify your supervisor and do not come to work if you exhibit any signs or symptoms of illness. It is vitally important that you protect yourself and the integrity of your team.
Available guidance
Please review the following documents and webpages for the latest guidance to first responders.
For all first responders:
- Executive orders from Vermont Gov. Phil Scott
- CDC Updated Interim Guidance for First Responders
- VDH: What to do if you are a close contact of someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19
- VDH: N-95 Respirator Disinfection Guidance
- VDH: State of Vermont Personal Protective Equipment Guidance
- VDH: N-95 Respirator Reuse and Decontamination Guidance
- VDH: Using Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- VDH: Guidelines for Death Certification and Disposition of Remains
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Vehicles Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
- COVID-19 First Responder Information Call Notes
- Vermont Department of Health page for first responders
For law enforcement:
- Memo regarding enforcement of Gov. Scott’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order
- Attorney General’s Directive to Law Enforcement on the Enforcement of the COVID-19 Emergency Order
- Attorney General’s Directive to Lodging Operations on the Enforcement of COVID-19 Emergency Order
- Department of Homeland Security COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Mitigation Best Practices for Law Enforcement
- CDC: What law enforcement personnel need to know about coronavirus disease 2019
- Unattended death investigation guidelines outside a health care facility
- Community‐based victim advocacy centers are up and running
- DMV: Gov. Scott announces a Driver License and Registration Renewal Extension
- DMV office closures and additional regulatory waivers
- FBI: Criminals Exploiting COVID-19 Outbreak for Financial Gain through Procurement and Consumer Fraud
For fire departments:
- Obtaining Current Information for the Fire Service
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Monitoring Fire Department Capabilities
- Designated County Representative Contact Information
- Recommended Changes to Fire Department Operations
- Conservation of Personal Protective Equipment
- COVID-19 Cost and Recovery for EMS and Fire Departments
- NFIRS Special Study
- COVID-19 Emergency Services Resources
For Emergency Medical Services
- EMS frequently asked questions
- COVID-19 Assessment And Transport
- COVID-19 Field Triage
- EMS Response to COVID-19
- Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) EMS Response