September 30, 2009 Firefighters to be on front lines of swine flu outbreak in Worcester Play video

(NECN: Jennifer Eagan, Worcester, Mass.) - Firefighters and other emergency responders will be on the front lines of a possible flu outbreak.

For that reason, in Worcester they've stocked up on the essentials like masks and hand sanitizer to protect themselves.

District chief Michael McNamee says trucks now have dozens of masks to put on patients showing flu like symptoms.

2000 masks have been distributed among Worcester police, fire, and EMS.

Firefighters will wear protective gear that also shields their eyes.

McNamee and health care providers are finding that these supplies are running thin.

“We're getting word from the manufacturer that they're having hard time getting it themselves, because there's been such a run on products like this.”

Gina Smith is UMass hospital's emergency preparedness coordinator.

She says the hospital has stock piled masks and sanitizer over the last few years.

Masks will be available at the entrances of the hospital for patients showing flu like symptoms.

The facility has worked with the city for months to prepare for a potential influx of patients.

At the top of that plan, keeping people whose condition isn't serious out of the emergency room.

Smith says people with an underlying illness; severe respiratory distress or a fever for more than 3 days should come to the hospital.