PIX 11
By Dominique Jack | June 26, 2025
NEW YORK (PIX11) — The extreme heat stretched first responders thin, according to a union representing Emergency Medical Services workers.
A representative for the union FDNY EMS Local 2507 said the agency didn’t have enough staff and ambulances to respond to all emergencies during the three days of intense heat that covered the five boroughs this week.
Union representatives claimed about 300 emergency calls were put on hold on Wednesday. However, the FDNY has denied that.
“During a heat wave like the one we experienced this week, we prioritize calls to make sure we are able to get to the neediest New Yorkers as soon as possible,” an FDNY spokesperson said.
In a statement to PIX11 News, the FDNY said they responded to about 1,000 more calls daily than is usual. About 40% of those calls were deemed life-threatening emergencies and had been answered in about 10 minutes.