Chief Gary Ludwig has managed two metropolitan EMS systems (Memphis and St. Louis), and has pioneered many concepts which are now standard practice in fire and EMS systems nationwide. He currently serves as the fire chief of Champaign, Illinois and is President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Today, he will discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline workers, in particular, on firefighters. 

Firefighters are the largest provider of emergency medical services in the country. Throughout this pandemic, they have been treating and transporting COVID-19 patients with extreme levels of exposure. Over 50 firefighters have died as a result of having contracted COVID-19 on the job. Chief Ludwig notes that the economic fallout from the virus is hitting fire departments hard, and there could be as many as 30,000 firefighter layoffs unless Congress steps up to support local governments soon.

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