Newly Renewed Mask Mandates for NYC Emergency Personnel

By M. C. Millman

Following fast on the heels of newly reinstated mask mandates for eleven  New York City public hospitals, as reported by BoroPark24 here, the FDNY renewed masking requirements for all  FDNY fire truck and ambulance personnel caring for patients.

The new mandate is due to the annual winter increase in respiratory virus cases, including flu and COVID. It requires anyone who provides treatment before the patient arrives at the hospital to wear a mask.

"Effective immediately," FDNY Michael J. Fields, Chief of EMS, mandated in his Influenza Epidemic Advisory letter sent to division commands, "all FDNY, EMS providers (CFRs, EMTs, Paramedics, and Officers), and voluntary hospital ambulance personnel who provide prehospital emergency medical treatment in the New York City 911 system shall don a surgical mask (or N95/ half-face elastomeric mask preferred) well rendering all patient care. In addition, it is mandatory to don the appropriate face covering when entering any emergency department and/or medical facility."

"Hatzalah will follow the requirements of whatever hospital we are transporting to or whatever State or City regulators require of us like we always do," Yehiel Kalish, CEO of Chevra Hatzalah, shares with BoroPark24.