Coroner Discusses COVID-19 Vaccine Use

Sydney Martin spoke with the Madison County Coroner about what he's doing to keep his team and himself safe.

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New at five -- the madison county coroner shared the steps his office is taking to prevent exposure to coronavirus during the pandemic.

Waay 31's sydney martin joins us live in huntsville tonight.

She explains his take on vaccine - and what he's doing to keep his team and himself safe.

Sydney?

Dan, najahe- madison county coroner dr. tyler berryhill told me he's only had to transport about 7 bodies that were covid positive and evaluate them- he said that's because of the 131 confirmed deaths in madison county- the majority of those people died in the hospital but they take extra precautions when responding to the death of someone who might be covid positive.

Dr. tyler berryhill, madison county coroner "i'm definitely an advocate for the vaccine to get back to normal to society in our life."

Dr tyler berryhill told me he's followed the coronavirus vaccine news closely-- and state health officer scott harris's annoucement that mortuary workers could qualify to receive the vaccine in the first round of distirubiton that could start as early as next month..

But he explained although he wants the vaccine- he most likely will wait to get it..

Dr. tyler berryhill, madison county coroner "so typically for me in my unique situation i have no problem with giving the vaccination if it was offered to me to somebody else.

One of the nurses at one of the hospitals, emergency room or the doctor's that working on the front lines to help somebody i have no trouble with waiting until there is more available for the population."

Berryhill added- they use personal protective equipment when responding to death calls- and get an idea of the situation to know what p-p-e is necessary....and work to conserve their supply..

Dr. tyler berryhill, madison county coroner "the n- 95 the gloves, any eye wear protection that's the essential.

The reality is there may not be enough ppe to use on every single case to gown up head to toe so we have to use a case-by-case basis, but take good universal precautions to be safe and preventative measures."

Berryhill told me he's responded to a few cases where people tested positive for the virus- and were sent home to self quarantine where they got sicker and eventually died- he explained if you believe you need hospital care and have the virus- you should get help immediately.

Live in huntsville sm waay 31 news.