AUGUSTA — Over two sessions held April 24 and 27, a total of 24 soldiers and airmen were trained on fit testing procedures for N95 respirator masks.
Maine CDC hosted the training as the organization continues their partnership with Maine Emergency Management Agency and the Maine National Guard.
“We’re pleased to offer support for this new mission set as Maine continues to respond to COVID-19,” said Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, Maine’s adjutant general. “We continue to engage in planning with our state partners and are prepared for additional missions.”
Guardsmen identified for this mission come from medical job specialties and represent various units from across the state. Teams of approximately four National Guardsmen will be dispatched to conduct fit testing for staff at requesting congregate care facilities identified by Maine CDC and MEMA. This includes but is not limited to food service staff, housekeeping, recreational and other staff working in the facilities.
The Maine National Guard is prepared to make the same teams available for other missions in support of Maine CDC.
TOP PHOTO: Steven Boucouvalas, the Planning and Emergency Operations Coordinator for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, talks to Maine National Guard members during a fit test training at the Maine Emergency Management Agency in Augusta, Maine April 24, 2020. The 14 Maine guardsmen volunteered to be part of a medical task force to assist in the state response to COVID-19. At the direction of Maine CDC and MEMA, they will be sent to train staff at long term care facilities how to properly use and wear the masks to decrease risk of exposure to COVID-19. (Maine National Guard Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Alyson J. Pelletier)