HOLT, Fla., April 6, 2020—First responders remain on duty six days into a statewide 30-day stay-at-home order.

This includes Holt Fire District.

“Holt Fire District is here to support our community,” said Holt Capt. Shelly Chestnut. “We are committed to being there during these times.”

What has changed is how Holt Fire responds to medical alerts.

To reduce exposure of COVID-19, medical call responders will be wearing personal protection equipment, including masks, gloves and safety glasses or goggles.

Additionally, only one firefighter will interact with the patient if presence of the virus is suspected.

In those instances, firefighters will respond wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus.

“We will be using extra precautions to keep us safe. This means wearing SCBAs if deemed respiratory precautions,” Chestnut said. “The safety and health of our community is our number one priority.”