EMS members brace for COVID-19 peak, Bronx Zoo converts to staging area

Medical experts say this could be the toughest week since the coronavirus crisis began, and medical technicians and paramedics are bracing for the impact. 
More than 4,000 members of the city's Emergency Medical Services are preparing for what's to come as the peak of the coronavirus draws near. 
GET INFORMATION: Coronavirus details from the CDC
Coronavirus Prevention: What you can do to protect yourself        
Like hospital workers and first responders, they've been at the forefront of the ongoing battle against the pandemic and have dealt with resources stretched thin.              
On average, EMS  was getting 4,500 911 calls. They are now averaging close to double with more than 7,000 calls a day across the city. The area of the Bronx Zoo now is a staging area with hundreds of EMTs and paramedics from across the country working around the clock to help the city save lives.           
Oren Barzilay, president of EMS Local 2507, says he’s grateful for any assistance he can get.
undefined