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First Responders in Camden County Get Updated Training About Ebola Threat

By David Madden

BLACKWOOD, N.J. (CBS) -- As the United States struggles with how to prevent the Ebola virus in West Africa from getting a foothold here, officials in Camden County today held a session for EMTs and other first responders to brief them on the latest protocols to protect themselves and the public should a case surface here.

More than 200 people showed up at Camden County College, where doctors from Cooper University Hospital dispensed the latest information -- which keeps changing.

Pine Hill, NJ fireman Jim Gordon says that's why he attended.

"This is actually my second class in a week," he tells KYW Newsradio.  "Our department just did this on Tuesday for active volunteers, and our paid staff are here to get a more in-depth class."

 

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(Jim Gordon, of the Pine Hill Fire Department. Photo by David Madden)

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The new class included a demonstration (below) on how to properly put on and, more importantly, how to take off the protective gear.

 

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(Photo by David Madden)

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The takeaway from this session, the attendees agree: it's hard to get Ebola if you're careful around it.  And there is an infinitesimal risk to the general public in this country.

 

Hear this extended session recording (runs 43:46)...

 

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