Local First Responders Prepare As Ebola Fears Spread Across U.S.

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Ebola fears in the United States have put first responders on alert.

Meghan McCorkell has more on what they're doing to prepare.

While federal health officials say that chances of an ebola outbreak here in the United States remain very low, they're not taking any chances.

A Texas sheriff's deputy has tested negative for ebola after being put in isolation at a Dallas hospital.

"He just felt a little sore. Kind of fatigued. And had a little bit of a stomach ache. No fever. No vomiting diarrhea or anything like that," said Logan Monnig, officer's son.

Sergeant Michael Monnig didn't have direct contact with ebola patient Thomas Duncan--but he spent time at the apartment, where Duncan was staying.

The case has sparked some concern amongst rescue crews nationwide.

Now local first responders are preparing for any potential ebola cases.

WJZ has obtained a checklist for ebola preparedness that was sent to EMS crews across Maryland. It states: "with the recent events in Texas, it is becoming more evident that EMS is likely to be the first contact for these patients."

"We need to treat it as if anybody that could have it does have it, at least til we know they don't," said Lt. Greg Enzler, Joppa Magnolia Fire Department.

Enzler is a paramedic with the Joppa Magnolia Fire Department. He says paramedics are taking steps to keep themselves and patients safe.

"We have gowns to help protect ourselves from any fluids or anything like that," Enzler said. "We also have our glasses to protect our eyes. We can put these on ourselves, protects any air we breathe. Put these on the patient, it protects anything they're breathing out."

Precautions he hopes will never be put to the test.

Police 911 dispatchers are also being told to ask sick patients if they've recently traveled-- specifically to West Africa.

Health officials in Spain say the condition of a nurses assistant with ebola has worsened. She is the first patient to contract the disease outside of West Africa.

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