Mukwonago paramedic helps during coronavirus quarantine

 

MUKWONAGO (CBS 58) -- A Mukwonago paramedic has returned home after responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

Peter Brierton, paramedic with Wisconsin-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), spent two weeks at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego. More than 200 people were evacuated on a U.S. chartered flight from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.

"They were very tired, they were grateful. They were happy to be back in the United States," Brierton said.

Workers with the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) monitored patients for health issues, and tested them for the virus.

"Our team did come in contact with two patients that did test positive for coronavirus,” Brierton said.  “Both of those patients were transported out as a matter of process by the CDC."

Crews took precautions and wore protective clothing, also face masks and gloves. They also took their own temperatures twice a day.

"Any of the instruments we used were fully decontaminated. Any of the people we identified as being under investigation were treated as quarantined individuals."

Brierton says his risk of contracting the virus as a care-giver was low.

"I'm honored. Anyone of the NDMS teams, the DMAT teams are honored to be able to help. It's the nature of what we do. We're action-oriented people. We have no concerns about our health."

There's a possibility the Wisconsin team might get re-deployed, depending on the situation. On March 1, they'll be added to the roster.