Hudson Valley first responders ramp up efforts ahead of expected heat wave
Dan Minerva, vice president of operations for Empress EMS, expects the number of calls will climb as temperatures rise.
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First responders across the Hudson Valley are preparing for a spike in emergencies as an expected heat wave moves into the region.
Dan Minerva, vice president of operations for Empress EMS, says crews are getting ready for a busy few days.
"This one is going to be really bad," said Minerva.
He expects the number of calls will climb as temperatures rise.
"We probably do close to about 100 responses a day, a little more than 100 responses a day just in the City of Yonkers. So, we will definitely get an increase," he said.
To handle the increase, EMS teams are making sure their crews stay safe as well.
"We'll give them ample breaks. We'll have a couple of fly cars, we call them," said Minerva. "They all will have coolers with water in them and they'll drive around and assist the crews and make sure they're hydrated."
As for local police and fire departments, the City of Rye plans to increase personnel throughout the entirety of this potential heat wave.
A spokesperson for the Yonkers Fire Department tells News 12 that at this time their staffing levels are sufficient to meet the anticipated demand, but that they will continue to monitor the conditions and will adjust if needed.
While first responders are ready for the worst, they urge people to listen to their bodies.
"Once you start having difficulty breathing due to the heat, all of your other ailments, you know, are going to be affected," said Minerva.
