Due to the increasing demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), Aurora Fire Rescue has applied for and been awarded the Directorate's Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $ 124,340. Aurora Fire Rescue was one of twelve Fire Departments in Colorado awarded with this grant and received the second-highest award in the state so far. With over twelve-thousand medical calls for service this year, more than 500 of which were possible COVID-19 related emergencies, the use of PPE by the department’s EMTs and Paramedics has been well beyond normal levels.

Aurora has more confirmed cases of COVID than Denver and Colorado Springs combined. Medical responses have trended down in many communities across the state, while Aurora’s volume continued to rise. The level of PPE required for these responses has been dynamic and difficult to keep up with due to vendor supply and pricing. Medical protocols now require firefighters to don N95 masks, gowns and goggles for their own protection because of COVID-19. The 2020 budget has been exhausted while trying to maintain these safety measures for not only our members, but the community’s health as well. 

This grant will directly support the department’s efforts to prevent the spread and cross contamination of COVID-19, providing PPE for the members responding to these emergencies as well as for the patients. So far, 56 members have lost time due to this virus and five have tested positive. Aurora Fire Rescue is the city’s Fire and EMS response agency and responsible for a response area of more than 160 square miles.