Amid the rising number of COVID-19/Delta Variant cases, first responders are taking extra precautions to keep the public and themselves safe. Pikeville Fire Chief Patrick Bentley said EMS crews are taking additional precautions. “Our crews always wear personal protection equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves,” Bentley said. “But now if we have a confirmed or suspected COVID patient our crews will have increased PPE such as face shields.” Bentley said EMS crews undergo decontamination (decontaminate) at Pikeville Medical Center then they will change and wash their uniforms, undergo additional decontaminate at the fire station then a crew will decontaminate the front and back of the ambulance which takes about an hour and only then will the crew and ambulance be placed back into service for the next call.