News

Free* EMT Class Accepting Applications

Mohawk is now accepting applications for 2023 EMT Courses. The next course will begin June 20, 2023 and run weekdays from 9 am – 4 pm until August 5, 2023.

  • EMT academy courses meet 5 days a week and last approximately 6-8 weeks.  Students in the academy course who participate in the Mohawk’s EMT Education Assistance Program, receive a weekly stipend of $540 and the course and materials are FREE.*
  • If you previously applied and want to check on the status of your application, please contact 518-382-1040.  Thank you. 

*other terms and conditions apply.

COVID-19 Vaccination Effort Update

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

Unsure about your eligibility? Check the New York State Department of Health website.  The supply of the vaccine changes on a daily basis, so continually check with your local county health department regarding availability.

Thank You for Your Support During the Response to COVID-19

We are touched by the outpouring of support our community has shown to healthcare workers and first responders. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to these organizations and businesses for sending us food and drinks.

 

 
We cannot thank you enough for the generosity you have shown to our crew members.

 

 

Mohawk Ambulance Service’s Response to COVID-19

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

COVID-19 Symptoms and Contact Information

If you suspect you have come into contact with someone with COVID-19 Coronavirus, or are having symptoms that include fever, cough or shortness of breath, please contact your health care provider immediately.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face
    *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

More information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

You can also call the New York State Coronavirus Health Hotline: 1-888-364-3065


Additional information is available through your county health department listed below:

Albany County Health Department
518-447-4580

Rensselaer County Health Department
518-270-2655

Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS) Communicable Disease Department:
518-386-2824, Option 4 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday)
After Hours: 518-437-7878

Saratoga County Public Health Services
518-584-7460

First responders treat Christmas like any other day

CBS First Responders

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.

Cold Weather Safety Advice

Adam Nato

Adam Nato joined CBS 6 Sunday morning to talk about cold weather safety. He says frostbite and hypothermia are two dangerous and potentially life-threatening emergencies.

Power outages and the loss of running water can present serious threats in the winter months.

When temperatures are below freezing, your water pipes are in danger of freezing and possibly bursting. Run faucets at a drip to prevent.

Cities will open CODE BLUE shelters when temperatures are dangerously cold. Know where emergency shelters are and go there in the event of a power/water outage.

Check on neighbors who may be vulnerable, the elderly, those with disabilities. Bring pets indoors. If it’s too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for them.

All fuel-burning equipment, fireplaces and woodstoves, should be vented to the outside and kept clear of debris. Be sure to check these. Never use a generator or gas burning stove inside or in the garage. These can build up dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide.

Don’t ignore winter travel advisories. If officials tell you it’s dangerous to be on the roads, take that advice seriously. If you absolutely have to go out, make sure your fluids are topped off and keep your gas gauge above half full if you can.

It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car:

– Food and water
– Blankets
– First aid supplies and medication
– Hygiene products
– Cell phone charger
– Always tell someone where you’re going beforehand so if you get into trouble, they know you may need help.