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Hennepin Co. Paramedics Gear Up Against Ebola

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) – Hennepin County paramedics are carrying new protective equipment in case they encounter a patient with Ebola.

Personal Protective Equipment kits (PPE) have been issued to Hennepin Emergency Medical Services.

"It's definitely something you've got to be concerned about," Chad Dotzler, EMS supervisor for Hennepin County, said.

Also, health officials are changing the way dispatchers handle calls.

Before paramedics are sent on a potential Ebola case, dispatchers ask questions like 'have you traveled internationally?' And 'what kind of symptoms are you experiencing?'

If they've traveled outside of the U.S. and have Ebola-like symptoms an ambulance is sent.

"Once we get there we change the way we respond to that residence," Dotzler said.

Dotzler says they have yet to be sent on an Ebola check, but once they do they plan to limit the staff that goes for safety.

"The plan is to have one individual go up to the door and confirm what's going on," said Dotzler. "Not enter, not bring any equipment in. If we confirm 'yes' this could be a potential Ebola patient, then we would back out and put on our appropriate PPE."

Hennepin Co. Paramedics Gear Up Against Ebola

The PPE kits contain two long fluid resistant gowns, a hood that covers the face and neck, a mask, goggles and plastic boot covers that go up to the knees.

But by far Dotzler says the most important part EMS staff need to know is the removal of the PPE after encountering a confirmed Ebola patient.

It's called the 'doffing process.'

"That doffing process needs to be followed to a 'T'," Dotzler said. "You need to take the PPE off in a way that you're not going to contaminate yourself."

That why Dotzler staff is using the N95 PPE kit rather than 3M Paper. He says the N95 is easier to take off without contaminating yourself.

Health officials say the new kits and procedures, which began this month, are the result of scientific knowledge and lessons learned in other cities.

"Right now we're following the guidelines of the CDC," Dotzler said. "If they determine changes need to be made we'll make those changes, but right now we're just following their lead."

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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