Dear Friend --

The Long Beach Fire Department has implemented a newly created Mobile Assessment Team (MAT) specifically assigned to transport individuals with confirmed positive results or positive screenings of COVID-19, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 to other patients, hospital staff and first responders. The team will be staffed 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

This new mobile team will ensure that we are containing the spread of COVID-19 as best as possible and I’m grateful to our Fire Department for creating this new unit. 

The MAT, which consists of two LBFD paramedics and one ambulance, responds from central locations within the city to facilitate a rapid response. The team also provides patient assessments, treatment and transportation to local area hospitals as needed, in accordance with Los Angeles County emergency medical services protocols. 

The Mobile Assessment Team is a proactive effort to manage the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The creation of this unit enhances our capabilities and provides an additional resource during this public health crisis.

A positive screening is based on a list of questions about symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, coughing or flu-like symptoms. Dispatch provides this information to the MAT, who will then don the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and use caution while treating and transporting patients. After each patient transport, the team will replace used PPE and conduct necessary sanitizing procedures for both staff and equipment. This sanitation process will be completed at a predesignated location to mitigate any potential spread to other facilities, equipment and materials.

The Mobile Assessment Team will remain operational during the COVID-19 health crisis.