First responders in Greenburgh and across the nation are always ready to answer the call, but with a shortage of face masks, they find themselves being pushed to the limit.

Officials say the mask shortage makes the already challenging work that much tougher.

Which workers are considered essential during COVID-19 outbreak? This list breaks it down 

"They're not readily available and there's a rush on them by the general public, going to retail stores and buying these items," says Chief Brian J. Ryan, of the Greenburgh Police Department.

Paramedic supervisor Jared Rosenberg says his crew handles it by suiting up one person to establish if it's a COVID-19 case. He says if the person doesn't fit the criteria, they preserve the mask and put it away.

TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths 

Authorities say local residents have been donating boxes of masks to first responders, which has been a big help.