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.
Cheddar News Senior Reporter Chloe Aiello visits the House of Cannabis in Soho. The space consists of 30,000-square-feet and five floors dedicated to immersive cannabis-related experiences and installations.
Air, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, officially hits theaters on Wednesday. The film is based on the story of Nike in the 1980s as the company attempts to sign Michael Jordan to a sneaker deal.
Passover began on Wednesday, and many Jewish families are getting ready to prepare their favorite holiday meals. To help those celebrating, Jake Cohen, author of Jew-Ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, stopped by the Cheddar News studios to talk about the significance of the holiday and share (and showcase) some of his favorite recipes.
Passover began on Wednesday, and many Jewish families are getting ready to prepare their favorite holiday meals. To help those celebrating, Jake Cohen, author of Jew-Ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, stopped by the Cheddar News studios to talk about the significance of the holiday and share (and showcase) some of his favorite recipes.
Passover began on Wednesday, and many Jewish families are getting ready to prepare their favorite holiday meals. To help those celebrating, Jake Cohen, author of Jew-Ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, stopped by the Cheddar News studios to talk about the significance of the holiday and share (and showcase) some of his favorite recipes.
So a new Barbie trailer dropped this week, and buzz is building for the pink-hued movie about the popular doll.
The top entertainment headlines for April 4, 2023.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves led the weekend box office with $38.5 million. T
The top entertainment headlines for April 3, 2023.
Kevin Hart Talks Newest Project 'Die Hart 2: Die Harter,' and Continuing Career Success
