Valley first responders preparing for Ebola

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- We've had no cases of the Ebola virus in California, but groups across the Valley are preparing just in case.

It's all starting with the dispatchers. They will be asking callers about their symptoms. If they sound like Ebola symptoms, they'll request recent travel information too. All that will be given to first responders so they can be ready when they get on scene.

New training is starting for first responders to keep them safe from the aggressive Ebola virus.

American Ambulance paramedic training supervisor Doug Woods says they're exposed to a lot.

"If we're not ahead of the curve then by the time we actually start to deal with it it's too dangerous by that point," said Woods.

For diseases like hepatitis and HIV, first responders use this gear: gloves, a gown, hat, mask and booties. The goal is to keep bodily fluids from entering your mouth, nose or eyes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the exact same items when dealing with Ebola.

"It just takes something to make sure you have a barrier between you and them," said Woods.

Taking the protective gear off is the most dangerous part. To remove it they peel the whole thing off, rolling any contaminated part into a ball and throwing it all into a biohazard bag.

"We want to make sure there's no possible chance for any part of our uniform to be contaminated with it," said Woods.

To further protect first responders, special pods will be available for ambulances too.

"They're going to be completely isolated in like this dome shaped plastic tube that will be on top of the gurney," said Woods.

Once a potential Ebola victim gets to the hospital, they'll be kept in the ambulance until an isolation unit is ready inside.

"We reduce the potential for exposure to anybody else or any other patients," said Woods.

Woods says this latest training is just part of a first wave to prevent Ebola from spreading.

"If there's more concern of it spreading throughout the U.S., there's going to be obviously more precautions that they would take at that point"

Those special pods will start coming in next week.

Woods said he thinks head-to-toe gear will also be handed out if Ebola continues to spread.