PM Newscall October 16th, 2014

Louisiana 911 operators will begin screening callers for Ebola symptoms. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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An LSU employee who was recently in Ebola stricken Liberia has been asked to stay off campus for three weeks. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The LSU Police Department is seeking the public’s help in their investigation of an alleged rape that occurred on campus. Capt. Corey Lalonde says the victim reported she was walking along West Lakeshore Drive on October 7th when she was approached by a group of male subjects…

CUT 3 (11) “incident took place”

LaLonde says one of the subjects allegedly grabbed the victim and forced her to the ground. He says the other subjects surrounded them while the incident took place. LaLonde says there is normally a considerable amount of traffic in that area…

CUT 4 (13)  “our investigation”

They are asking anyone who may have seen something unusual in the area on that day to please contact LSU Police or Crime Stoppers. LaLonde says LSUPD has no information to indicate that this is anything other than an isolated incident…

CUT 5 (09)  “as soon as possible”

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A new protocol has been implemented to 911 operators in Louisiana which has them screen callers for Ebola symptoms. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Kevin Davis says the caller will be asked a series of questions about ilnesses, particularly fever and recent travel. He says that will help EMS responding…:

CUT 6 (10)  “a suspected case”

Davis says the operators would ask about flu like symptoms, whether the person has recently been to an Ebola outbreak country and if they have been in contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus. He says the information would immediately be sent to responders…:

CUT 7 (09) “on the scene”

Davis says the callers answers would determine whether more questions would follow and whether the emergency responder would need to wear protective gear to the call. He says the person would be asked additional questions when in route then EMS would let the hospital know they have a suspect patient…:

CUT 8 (11) “would then kick in”

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An LSU employee who was recently in Ebola stricken Liberia has been asked to stay off campus for 21 days. That’s the time frame during which symptons of the virus could show up according to Olivia Watkins with the state Department of Health and Hospitals. She says the man told DHH he did not have contact with anyone who had Ebola so he’s night considered high risk…:

CUT 9 (12)  “twice daily”

The man was reportedly part of a team who taught Liberian police how to put on and discard protective gear such as gloves, booties and protective covering. Watkins says the man is not being forced to stay in his home while he has no symptoms…:

CUT 10 (10)  “the hospital”

Watkins says it’s important to remember that Ebola can not be passed to another individual when there are no symptoms present. She says DHH is working closely with LSU and with GOHSEP to make sure that everyone is communicating and getting updates on the situation…:

CUT 11 (09) “level of preparedness

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Many homes and businesses in Monroe and West Monroe remain powerless as a result of a tornado that moved through the area Monday. Entergy spokesman Roderick Worthy says at the height of the storm, about 38,000 customers were without power in the Ouachita Parish area…

CUT 12 (06) “and tomorrow”

Worthy says less than 5,000 customers remain without electricity. Entergy’s goal is to have power fully restored tomorrow. Worthy says Entergy’s system sustained significant damage as the EF-2 tornado rolled through…

CUT  13 (13) “and repair service”

Worthy says damage to Entergy’s infrastructure has slowed the pace at which they can restore and repair service. He asks everyone to please be patient and, more importantly, be safe…

cut 14 (11) “away from it”