NEW YORK (AP) – New Yorkers are hearing a constant wail of sirens as weary ambulance crews respond to a record volume of 911 calls, many from people experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus.
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The city’s ambulances are responding to about 6,000 calls a day — more than 50% more than average. Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said Sunday that the last five days have been the busiest stretch in the history of the city’s EMS operation.
“This is unprecedented,” de Blasio said. “We have never seen our EMS system get this many calls — ever.”
Nigro said the surge is delaying responses to lower-level calls. De Blasio said the city is planning to shift personnel onto EMS crews to help keep up with demand.
We are responding to over 7000 calls a day when the normal is between 4000-4500. And can someone tell me why EMS get zero recognition?
First responder? nope that’s PD and fire. (which BTW are doing nothing during this crisis). Healthcare worker? Nope, that’s doctors and nurses. I know we are a breed of pet own but it doesn’t hurt to recognize the job we do for the city and it’s ppl!