A Busy Day

[Richard B the EMT]

From the FDNY's Newsletter, "Inside the FDNY"

One of the Busiest Days in a Decade for EMS

As the temperatures rose on July 6, EMS members responded to 4,225 calls – a 20 percent increase in call volume.

It is the fifth busiest day for EMS members since 2001, with only two days of the 2003 blackout and two New Years Eves recorded as more active.

“Heat makes the call volume increase all the time,” said Assistant Chief of EMS John McFarland. “Heat definitely played a role here.”

Of the July 6 calls, the Chief said 1,575 were life-threatening. Yet, despite the demand, EMS members had an average response time of 7 minutes and 9 seconds, only 23 seconds higher than normal.

Because of the increased call volume, Chief McFarland said the Command added an extra 20 tours each day for EMS workers.

They ask everyone to be mindful about calling 911 only when necessary, as to not tax the system with unnecessary responses.

In warm temperatures people should wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and stay hydrated. FDNY members ask that everyone check on their elderly and disabled neighbors, and ensure they have a working air conditioner and cold beverages.

July 6 and 7 also were busy days for firefighters. They responded to two five-alarm fires in Queens – each utilizing more than 200 members and 44 units – as well as a third-alarm in Queens and two second-alarm fires in the Bronx.