News

Albany County and Capital Region residents, visit https://alb.518c19.com to preregister for your COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

Dear Valued Patients,

At this time of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the health and safety of our employees, our patients and their families continues to remain our highest priority. All Mohawk Ambulance Service personnel have been trained to take protective measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Please know, Mohawk Ambulance Service is committed to exercising additional precautions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and are in accordance with guidelines from the New York State Department of Health and our local health departments. We have already implemented the following measures with your well-being our priority:

• The utilization of UV-C Air and Surface Disinfection fixtures (similar to those used in hospital operating rooms using UV light)
• Mandatory Health Screening for all employees prior to and following all shifts (all employees showing symptoms of illness are required to stay home)
• Increased decontamination and biohazard training for all employees
• Rigorous COVID-19 Persons under Investigation (PUI) patient tracking and monitoring
• Reduction of the use of high-risk interventions
• No additional passengers in ambulance during patient transports (no riders)
• Social distancing and the implementation of good hygiene practices
• Continuation of constant communication with hospitals as well as regional and state authorities on updates and increased prevention procedures

We encourage you to continue to stay informed on updates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) on all guidelines to slow the spread of the virus. Our website contains the phone numbers for all local health departments as well as a coronavirus hotline and steps to help prevent the spread of the virus. If you suspect you may be positive for COVID-19, we encourage you to contact your health provider first before calling emergency services.

We will continue to update you on further protective measures Mohawk Ambulance Service employees are taking to preserve your health and safety. We will get through this difficult time together.

Sincerely,

James P. McPartlon III
President

ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) – Emergencies don’t take a holiday, so those who serve the community don’t either.

First responders treat Christmas Day like any other day.

For them, it’s important to stay prepared as they might have to spring into action on a moment’s notice.

Some are working on Christmas Day, so their colleagues with young children can get the day off and spend time with them.

Although it may be difficult to not be around family, some say working on Christmas Day is a privilege.

“Working in emergency services such as fire, police, law enforcement, we don’t take holidays off. If our schedule happens to fall upon the day of that holiday, we come in to work,” said Marc Cocco, EMT Supervisor for Mohawk Ambulance Service. “During the holidays, emergencies still happen and our dedication to our community is why we do this.”

Cocco tells CBS6’s Lynsey Smith that it’s a good reason first responders are working on Christmas, because the amount of calls they receive are about the same as a regular day.