Fire chief: Only about 30% of St. Pete first responders are vaccinated

[cinematicdiversions]

When St. Petersburg fire officials revealed to city leaders on Thursday that their best guess is less than 30% of first responders are vaccinated, they had to explain their findings.

“The last time we tried to wrap our arms around it was back in the spring, and the best we could come away with was 30%,” said St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue EMS Chief Ian Womack, “It’s very difficult to measure because there’s no mandatory reporting when you get the vaccine.”

Still, the number was very troubling to Mayor Rick Kriseman.

“From my perspective, if you’re not vaccinated but yet you’re a first responder, it raises an issue of if you’re living up to your oath,” Kriseman said.

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2021/08/06/only-30--of-st--petersburg-first-responders-vaccinated


I know this is a union thing in many ways but seriously the city should be able to dismiss any employee not fully vaccinated at this time. They are putting the public at risk and that trumps a contract or employee rights.

[Ocelot II]

1. Of all the people who should be vaccinated, first responders should top the list.

They have to administer first aid, including CPR, and they're breathing all over the people they're supposed to be helping. Conversely, they're being breathed on by the sick people they're supposed to be helping. Why in the name of God or whoever is in charge of the universe would a first responder not be willing to crawl over broken glass to get the vax?

[marybourg]

2. Macho culture.

[RockRaven]

3. As if there aren't enough reasons to agonize over calling 911, or not.

Bad enough cops kill people they have been summoned to help.
Bad enough people get bankrupted by their hospital bills, starting with the ambulance.

Now you have to consider whether your life is in more danger by the thing prompting you to call, or the virus they bring to you alongside that "help."

[paleotn]

4. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

THAT is why vaccinations should be mandatory for medical professional...period. If I had my druthers, vaccinations would be mandatory for everyone, with exceptions only for legitimate medical reasons.

[SarcasticSatyr]

5. I knew it was bad ...

But that borders on the unreal.

[Ilsa]

6. That's another place not to visit. nt

[jimfields33]

8. I'm sure we'd be shocked at various percentages on many fire houses

across the United States.

[brush]

7. The last thing disaster victims need is a rescuer bring covid along.

It's a no-brainer vaccinations should be required, same with medical personnel.