As part of the Fire District’s continued efforts to protect first responders and patients from exposure and spread of COVID-19, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will begin using more sustainable personal protective equipment (PPE) on the majority of our medical calls, which will help reduce the consumption of PPE supplies that have been challenging to replenish.

When responding to most medical calls, community members may see our firefighter medics and paramedics wearing PPE that includes a ventilator mask, safety goggles, a face shield, gloves, and a Tyvek suit (see photo). 

We understand that firefighters arriving in this protective equipment may come as a surprise to some, and we appreciate the community’s understanding as we make this transition with sustainability in mind. If you see one of our responders wearing this PPE, rest assure that the person under the gear is still the same caring and professional firefighter medic or paramedic who wants to help you or your loved one get the necessary medical attention they require. 

The decision to shift to this PPE comes in response to the uncertainty of medical supply chains and the need to preserve the PPE we wear for the unknown amount of time that this pandemic will continue.

Request for PPE Donations

Due to continued national medical supply shortages, TVF&R is encouraging residents and local businesses to consider donating new, unused PPE. 

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout our communities, our firefighter medics and paramedics need to wear specific gear on medical calls to help prevent exposure and spread of the highly contagious virus. Replenishing this gear has proven to be challenging, while vendors work as quickly as possible to fill orders but are unable to keep up with the unprecedented high demand. 

We are asking the public to please consider donating new, unused PPE that you do not currently need. Items we are looking for include:

     •  Surgical masks
     •  N95 respirators and filters
     •  Other respirators (P100s, PAPRs)
     •  Face shields
     •  Splash shields
     •  Disposable medical gowns
     •  Tyvek suits
     •  Shoe booties/covers
     •  EMS gloves

If you have any of these items that you are able to donate, please email supply@tvfr.com and include a description of what items you have and quantity. Our Supply staff will then work with you to either schedule a pickup or arrange a delivery.

All donations are tax deductible; receipts can be provided upon request.

In order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, please continue to follow the direction of health officials and Governor Kate Brown’s executive order. Detailed COVID-19 information can be found at the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 website.