PUBLIC SAFETY: MBFD receives COVID vaccine
On December 28, Manhattan Beach Firefighter/paramedic Brian Fujimoto received one of the first Monderna vaccines for the coronavirus provided to all first responders in the South Bay. Photo courtesy MBFD
Members of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department in late December became among the first local first responders to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Firefighters and paramedics received doses of the Monderna vaccine. Acting battalion chief Dave Shenbaum said the vaccination came at a crucial time because the department has encountered a spike in COVID-related calls.
“Our call volume for symptomatic COVID positive patients have skyrocketed over the past several weeks,” Shenbaum said. “Our local urgent care facilities and emergency rooms have been significantly impacted by the increase in call volume and walk-in patients”
Every member of the fire department is also a certified paramedic, which entails close contact with patients on calls for service.
“We are doing everything we can to protect the health and wellness of our fire department employees and the community,” Shenbaum said. “The fire departments are on the front lines of this pandemic. We don’t have the option to social distance when someone calls 911.” ER