How one town’s EMTs are coping with the coronavirus

CORNWALL — Having now logged several months of COVID-19 response training and efforts, the Cornwall Emergency Response Team was invited to present a report to town residents on how the virus has been dealt with in Cornwall. 

The Cornwall Library sponsored the talk, which was held online on Friday, July 24.

The principal speaker was Elizabeth Ridgway, who is an EMT and an emergency department nurse at Sharon Hospital. 

 She was joined by Diane Beebe, an EMT and the town’s emergency response director and First Selectman Gordon Ridgway (who is also the father of Elizabeth).  

All are part of what is known as the town’s Unified Command in response to the pandemic.

“We are in good collaborative hands,” said Honora Horan, representing the library and hosting the talk. Her comment also highlighted the efforts of the team and the many volunteers who have stepped up to help their neighbors when needed.

A detailed description of the many aspects of the pandemic in Cornwall was provided by Elizabeth Ridgway, who said that the Cornwall EMTs provide service to all of Cornwall as well as the eastern parts of Sharon.

She recalled the first case that was reported nationally (which was in Washington state) was identified on Jan. 20 of this year. The first case in Connecticut was in Danbury, ascribed to someone who worked at a hospital in Westchester County, one of the early hotspots.

She thanked all of the local residents who have volunteered, providing PPE equipment as necessary and remaining available for a myriad of essential tasks. Much needed to be done, including changing the airflow patterns in emergency vehicles and installing ultra-violet light at the firehouse to decontaminate equipment.

Cornwall has had no fatalities, Ridgway said, noting that it is a good time to be in Connecticut, and that the state’s collaboration with New York and New Jersey in setting restrictions has been productive and helpful.

Diane Beebe praised the local fire department volunteers and  town residents’ cooperation and amazing community spirit.

“We are not past this,” Beebe cautioned. 

“My biggest fear is complacency,” she added, encouraging everyone to continue to practice the protocols and use the services being provided by the town.

Gordon Ridgway reported that more than $100,000 was raised for the food pantry from 300 individual donors. He said that all of the people who came to their second homes in Cornwall to ride out the virus observed the protocols with care. Many are planning to stay on and enroll their children in the local school system, which would enhance the growth of the town. The Region One schools have seen shrinking enrollment in recent years and would benefit from having larger student bodies. 

Speaking of the emergency team, Ridgway said, “We are more prepared; we know how to protect ourselves and our community. This is a vicious disease.”