Raincoats Instead of Scarce PPE for VA Firefighters

With medical gowns in short supply, Roanoke firefighters have turned to 300 raincoats to protect themselves against COVID-19 exposure during the pandemic.

April 22, 2020

A Virginia fire department have turned to an alternative to scarce personal protective equipment to keep safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Raincoats are being used in lieu of medical gowns by Roanoke firefighters, WSLS-TV reports. Right now, the department has 300 coats, and firefighters are wearing them while gowns are in short supply.

“We were able to find a product that allowed us to have something that is reusable, able to be deconned and disinfected, it was cost effective, and we could issue one to each provider," rescue supervisor Capt. Jason Crouch told WSLS.

The raincoats provide similar protection to gowns and are easier to get on. The department plans to save the coats for future after the pandemic has ended, WSLS added.