The coronavirus pandemic and the global health crisis caused by SARS CoV-2, the respiratory illness caused by the COVID-19 virus, has had a major impact on virtually every industry all over the world. However, few have been more impacted than those in emergency services, including those whose jobs involve responding to biological and hazardous events. Many frontline workers have struggled to get access to the resources they need, and budgets have been decimated by major unemployment and a global recession.
Energy Transfer Partners, who own and operate the Dakota Access Pipeline, which safely and securely transfers 500,000 barrels of oil from Stanley, North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois, each day, is helping communities they’ve worked within the past during this trying time.
First Responders In Need
One of these areas is Chester Township, Pennsylvania, located in Delaware County. The Delaware County Major Incident Response team was activated in the region in order to address a significant rise in demand for their services, as well as the need to provide a prompt response to potentially hazardous events. This goes beyond basic police work to include fighting fires, medical treatment, and decontamination – and none of it is easy.
They have worked tirelessly to help their community since March 12, handling all COVID events relating to law enforcement in the area, and did not have an easy way to stay healthy or safe themselves. This is especially an issue when handling more hospitalizations, ambulance dispatches, and treatment than usual – and when emergency workers are at risk of falling ill themselves, as has happened in many cities across the globe.
Giving Back to Create Safer Communities
Energy Transfer Partners responded by providing a shelter for first responders – a tent valued at $25,000. This tent provides staff with a safe, secure base of operations to get through the challenges of working 24/7, and includes extensive support equipment in order to make it easier for them to effectively do their jobs, even while working during this crisis.
Energy Transfer Partners have a deep and clear understanding of what makes first responders so valuable, especially in times like now. In a statement, Energy Transfer Partners’ Vice President of Public Affairs, Joe McGinn, emphasized the fact that communities need emergency staff willing to work hard, tireless hours to keep people safe. He acknowledged and praised the sacrifices they make on the front line, and described it as an honor to provide them with this support during the pandemic. In his own words, “Supporting Delaware County’s first responders is always a top priority, and especially now.”
Looking to the Future
Furthermore, Energy Transfer Partners went beyond a basic commitment to giving shelter to emergency staff. McGinn explained that the company is working to help make workflows and processes faster and safer for staff, deploying tools like virtual reality glasses to complete patient assessments and communicate with hospitals from a safe distance without compromising the patient experience.
Click here to learn more about the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Partners.