San Ramon Valley Fire PSA: 'Your Firefighters Are Here To Help'

SAN RAMON VALLEY, CA — The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District issued a public service announcement Tuesday, urging the public to call for help if they're experiencing serious physical or mental health troubles.

"Your firefighters are here to help ... Don't hesitate calling 911 when an emergency happens, time truly is the key to ensure the best possible outcome," said Fire Chief Paige Meyer in the video. "We care about the well-being of our citizens and we will all come out of this pandemic a stronger and more resilient community."

Medics are especially focused on patients with pre-existing conditions including cardiac-related health issues, high blood pressure and diabetes, said Laura Begin, registered nurse and SRVFPD emergency medical services coordinator. New high-risk symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, and chest pain with shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, or nausea or pain from the arm and neck are also of concern.

Anyone struggling with harming themselves or others should also immediately call for help.

"We are here for you," she said.

Begin said it's also critical to call 911 when:

• Experiencing stroke-like symptoms such as unsteady balance, changes in vision, a facial drop, slurred speech and abnormalities with arm or leg movement;
• A person who is immunocompromised, has had recent surgery or has a history of infections is experiencing fever, chills or profuse sweating; and
• A person with diabetes or high blood pressure has taken their medication but is still experiencing abnormally high or low numbers.

SRVFPD said it is equipped with personal protective equipment and has thorough decontamination procedures to protect patients and workers.

"Call us as soon as possible in your time of need, COVID-19 or not," Chief Meyer said. "Our 911 dispatchers and fire crews here to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."