MONTREAL -- A two-month-old baby was transported to hospital Monday night after displaying possible symptoms of COVID-19, Urgences-Santé confirmed Tuesday.

First responders were called to the home in Montreal's Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough at 11 p.m. Monday after the infant showed signs of difficulty breathing.

The baby’s father was in self-isolation in the home after he had tested positive for the virus.

Paramedics wore protective equipment to transport the infant to hospital.

“They dressed appropriately for the call considering the information we had received,” said Sylvain Lafrance of Urgences-Santé.

Medical staff was made aware of the situation. The baby was in stable condition during admission. 

First responders were not able to immediately confirm if the child will be tested for COVID-19. 

VIGILANCE REQUIRED

It’s important to be vigilant, especially when infected and sharing a living space with infants, said Dr. Harley Eisman, an MUHC pediatric emergency physician.

“To the extent that it’s possible, that person should have their own space within the home, their own room perhaps, their own bathroom. If that isn’t possible, as we recommend to everybody, judicious hand washing, cleaning of touched services, cleaning of the bathroom,” he said. 

That can come as a particular challenge in Montreal, where living spaces are often small.

The province is working on an alternative, said Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec’s public health director.

“In certain situations, we are going to actually look at if those persons can go somewhere else and not be in contact, especially if you have a small place with a lot of people. We are preparing those places everywhere in Quebec,” he said.

SAFETY PARAMOUNT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

As first responders knock on more doors where COVID-19 is known or suspected, their own safety becomes paramount, said Lafrance. 

“Paramedics will evaluate what they have in front of them. If they have to, they will retreat and put on their protective equipment,” he explained.

There is disposable protecting gear in every ambulance, including safety goggles, protective gowns and slippers, and more.

“Disposable gloves that all paramedics wear, they’ll also don an N95 mask which is disposable also,” said Lafrance.

While first responders are trained for these moments, Lafrance said it’s increasingly important for people to disclose any symptoms or recent travel.

“They all have the little devil on the shoulder telling them to be careful,” he said. “We all have families, we all go home at night and we all want to keep our families safe.”