First Responders Speak About the Pandemic’s Psychological Toll

Orange County Fire Authority Engine Number 61 in Buena Park, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

BUENA PARK, Calif.—As the ongoing pandemic continues to hit Southern California hard, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) paramedics are sharing the struggles they’re facing on the frontline.

Climbing COVID-19 numbers coupled with a limited intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at area hospitals, has taken a mental and physical toll on emergency medical (EMS) workers, said Captain Joe Enterline.