Stamford EMTs are being recognized for their continuing work during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of National Emergency Medical Services week.

Stamford EMS says emergency calls were up almost 50% a few weeks ago during the peak of the outbreak.

They say they were going through personal protective equipment very quickly, and about 10% of their EMTs tested positive for COVID-19, but were quarantined and cleared to return.

Stamford EMS Assistant Chief Eddie Browne says he's proud of all of his co-workers.

Browne says his crews are holding steady but with the state reopening this week, he says he is worried that there's going to be another spike in emergency calls.

Stamford EMS says every call takes twice as long because all their equipment has to be cleaned each time.