COLUMBUS — Scott Gordon, a paramedic at Columbus Regional Health, died of COVID-19 complications Sunday.
Gordon, 56, worked for the hospital for nearly 20 years and was a highly respected first responder in Bartholomew County, according to the hospital.
"Columbus Regional Health appreciates the years of dedicated service Mr. Gordon provided to our organization, his co-workers and the communities we serve," a Facebook post from Columbus Regional Health read. "He will be greatly missed, and it is with heavy hearts that Columbus Regional extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Gordon’s loved ones."
Columbus Regional Health is still investigating and contact tracing to determine if his exposure to the virus happened while on-duty or through the community.
It's very difficult to determine the exact point of exposure for frontline workers because the exposure risk is high due to the nature of their work, Kelsey DeClue, public relations coordinator for the hospital, said in an email.
"As COVID-19 numbers increase across the state, let us all be reminded that first responders are still out here fighting this pandemic on the front lines every day for you," a Facebook post from Putnam County EMS read. "Please do your part in this fight by staying home and staying socially distant from others, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands frequently, and mask up when in public. Let’s all do our part to protect the ones who are holding the line for you."
