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.

News 12 Staff

Apr 7, 2020, 9:02 PM

Updated 1,480 days ago

Share:

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
 


More from News 12
2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:30
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village