Cohoes Uniform Fire Fighters update protocols

COHOES, N.Y. » The Uniform Fire Fighters of Cohoes recently announced new protocols in limiting exposure to COVID-19 among emergency response personnel.

Last week they said they consulted with Mayor Bill Keeler, Fire Chief Joseph Fahd, city medical director Dr. Bruce Ushkow and other officials on what steps to take going forward.

Until further notice, they will not be responding to lowlevel EMS calls if an ambulance is readily available. If an ambulance is not readily available they will respond as normal as well if an ambulance crew needs more assistance on that specific call.

Officials noted that there will be no changes to the response level of any high-priority EMS calls such as cardiac and/ or respiratory arrest, difficulty breathing or traumatic injuries.

They will continue to respond to all fire calls including fire alarms, CO alarms, and structure fires. Additional examples are motor vehicle accidents, water and rope rescue, confined space and many more.

According to the department, the reason for limiting these calls is to limit their potential exposure they can come in contact with and then the potential exposure on the next call.

Given the small size of the

department, it’s critical that their members remain healthy and able to respond to calls, department officials said.

These guidelines are being implemented all across the country with the support of International Association of Fire Fighters and locally in with the New York State Professional Firefighters Association ( NYSPFFA).