Tommy Berges has seen firsthand how the coronavirus pandemic has caused delays in essential emergency services. The veteran paramedic and firefighter out of Washtenaw County, Michigan said the outbreak has extended emergency response times from the outset.
"COVID has really changed the entire fire and EMS services overall," Berges told Cheddar. "These time delays actually start when someone calls 9-1-1."
Emergency responders are screening callers to see if they have COVID-19, a necessary precaution that nonetheless adds crucial seconds to EMS response time.
"They're going to ask you questions. That takes additional time," Berges said. "If you do screen positive, it's very likely that information will get to us and that requires us to put on additional PPE, and that takes time. While it seems like seconds, in any emergency situation where time is of the essence, this all adds up."
Berges advises people to have a plan for emergency situations, given the delayed response time. For those who have dealt with opioid abuse in the past, in particular, he recommends keeping Naloxone, an anti-narcotic drug, on hand for emergencies.
He recounted one instance in which a man, who had been receiving medically-assisted doses of opioids, accidentally overdosed when he misunderstood the directions provided by his doctors. They had given him additional pills so that he could social distance.
"Have a plan. Stop and think about what you can do," he said.
Nora Minno, a registered dietician, spoke about the rise of the mocktail and explained the benefits of this non-alcoholic mixed beverage that can be made with fruits, seltzer or with non-alcoholic spirits.
Cheddar's own Shannon LaNier speaks with Paige Siegwardt, guest experience director at The Standard Plaza, about the Manhattan restaurant's 1960s-inspired roller rink.
2023 Tony Award nominee Kevin Cahoon speaks with Cheddar's own Baker Machado about joining the musical 'Shucked' and the peaks and valleys of his long career on Broadway.
Guinness World Records says the world’s oldest dog recently celebrated his 31st birthday. Bobi's owner says a party was held Saturday for the purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog.
Swedish singer Loreen won this year's Eurovision competition on Saturday night with her song "Tattoo." The singer beat acts from 25 other countries and became the second performer to take the prize twice after winning previously in 2012, but it was the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton who stole the show before the competition got started.
