The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is fully engaged with our partner agencies to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic.  We are making changes to operations and the way we interact with the community to ensure the safety of patients, responders and the community at large.  Modifications to our operations are consistent with recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control, State and County health officials and hospitals that receive our patients.    

• Don’t be surprised if you see our personnel wearing surgical masks routinely on calls or you may see providers donning protective gowns or masks after doing an initial assessment.  This is for everyone’s protection and is based on guidance received from local and national health authorities.
  
• EMS units are unable to transport family members or acquaintances of the patient except in certain cases involving children.  This is consistent with general prohibitions on visitors in hospital emergency departments due to the COVID threat.  We recommend that family members have their contact information for follow-up ready to be provided to the EMS crew and it will be communicated to the hospital personnel.  If you have questions, the hospital visitor for some of the local hospitals may be found using the following links: Johns Hopkins (Suburban & Sibley) |  Shady Grove |  Holy Cross
• We can no longer accept visitors of any kind until the resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes assistance with routine health monitoring such as blood pressure checks, tours, and other citizen inquiries. 
• Citizen ride-alongs with Rescue Squad crews no longer permitted.
• The BCCRS Anastasia/Civic Room is closed to public events.
  
• We have temporarily suspended processing of new volunteer applicants.  We hope this will end soon, but the support services provided by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service that are integral to processing applications including the medical clinic, uniforms and training have all been suspended so we are placing a hold our process.

For additional information about how pandemic planning and response we suggest that Montgomery County residents may visit the following website.  The Maryland Department of Health has a website with valuable information.  The District of Columbia also has a robust site here.