Coronavirus in New York: A paramedic’s diary

As a senior paramedic in New York City, Anthony Almojera is used to being close to death. But nothing in his 17-year career could have prepared him for the outbreak of coronavirus.

The state has now had more diagnosed cases of the virus than any single country. It has the grim distinction of being at the forefront of a global health crisis.

Anthony is now working 16-hour days to try to save people across the city, while supporting colleagues who fear for their lives and their families.

Anthony, a lieutenant paramedic and vice president of the Fire Department of New York’s Emergency Medical Services officers’ union, talked the BBC’s Alice Cuddy through what happened last Sunday – what he calls the toughest day of his career…..more