"We're about as ready as we can be:" Bell Ambulance plans for Ebola

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Because of the Ebola outbreak in the U.S., the fight against the disease may be a long one. Because of that, those who deal with patients first-hand are preparing. Bell Ambulance says the key is information.

They are taking precautions that start with dispatch, and follow through well after patients are taken to the hospital.

Bell Ambulance has created a plan that starts with a few simple questions -- a plan to make sure Ebola is not spread.

There is no average day at Bell Ambulance.

"We have to make sure that we pay close attention. You never want to be complacent," said Bell Ambulance Operations Director, Chris Anderson.

Each call means being prepared, and ready for anything.

"I think we've done a very good job of jumping ahead of the game," said Jason Flegner, from Bell Ambulance.

They are getting ahead of something they have never seen before.

"Something like Ebola, I don't think you can plan enough for it," said Flegner.

Creating protocal, if Ebola hits Milwaukee. If a patient has flu-like symptoms, dispatch will ask a series of questions. All paramedics and EMT's will be alerted if Ebola is a possibility. The crews will then inform other health officials.

"We want to let the hospital know so they can prepare," said Anderson.

They will then completely clean out and bleach an ambulance -- there are needed steps just in case.

"All of our crews are fairly well-versed on these type of calls. At this stage in the game, we're about as ready as we can be," said Flegner.

Bell Ambulance is not the only ones preparing.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office announced today, a plan is in place there. Inmates will be screened, and asked a series of similar questions -- then taking the proper precautions to possibly isolate that individual.