The ambulance service for El Reno and the area says it’s prepared to deal with COVID-19.

Pafford EMS issued a statement last week to ensure the public of its commitment to maintain its “award-winning service.”

Pafford is “nationally known for our disaster response capabilities and as such, stands ready to respond,” the statement said.

"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pafford EMS has prepared by increasing supplies of infection control equipment, ensuring the latest updates to our medics and staff, and is maintaining a vigilant standard of education and training.”

Pafford EMS has established a “Special Response Team (SRT) to respond to and transport COVID-19 positive patients as well as a dedicated phone line for the medical facilities in our coverage areas. Our communication centers are currently screening patients with suspected symptoms in accordance with CDC guidelines.”

All Pafford response areas including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands are “maintaining ambulance coverage as normal and the public will not see any differences in the exceptional service we provide. We treat each patient with care and concern and at this time we do not anticipate any changes in our level of staffing or service due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Pafford EMS “would like to remind everyone to be vigilant and prudent in daily activities and to follow the recommended guidelines of social distancing, self-isolation when required and frequent and thorough hand-washing.”