NC rescue reports rising call volume

NEBRASKA CITY - Despite positive trends on COVID-19 hospitalizations and new cases, Nebraska City Fire and Rescue reported Monday its call volume has increased.

Paramedic Manager Andrew Snodgrass told the Nebraska City Health Board Monday that the "run volume" is up over the last 14 days and 40 percent of all patients have had COVID-19.

He said one EMS member is out due to COVID-19 and two others will be tested following recent exposure.

Dr. Dan DeFreece of CHI Health St. Mary's said the hospital is still seeing COVID-19 patients, but not as many as earlier in November.

Snodgrass said about half of the COVID-19 dispatches are coming from 911 calls.

He said the rescue squad is eligible for first-round vaccines, but he has not been informed on when vaccines would be available for them.