NEW YORK— The FDNY has urged New Yorkers to only call 911 during real emergencies after the department’s EMS workers responded to nearly 6,000 calls in one day amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
FDNY EMS members responded to 5,902 medical calls on Wednesday, the department tweeted.
In a video, the FDNY advised New Yorkers to follow guidelines put in place by health officials, such as contacting your health care provider and urgent care centers before calling 911 to seek medical care.
“Keep health care access available to those with more severe illnesses,” the video said.
FDNY urges New Yorkers to only call 911 to seek medical care after all other options, such as your health care provider and urgent care centers have been exhausted. Allow first responders to assist those most in need. For non-emergencies, call 311. pic.twitter.com/4VmTqCdf8R
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 2, 2020
Hospitals across the city have had an influx of individuals coming into emergency rooms.
As New York City hospitals become more crowded with COVID-19 patients, a new EMT directive is limiting some hospital transports.
According to a memo from the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City (NYC REMAC), paramedics are being told not to transport cardiac arrest patients to the hospital if they can not restart their heart and revive them in the field.
For those who need help finding a health care provider, individuals are advised to call 311.
There are nearly 47,500 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in New York City, with 1,374 deaths reported.
