The need for ambulance response is increasing state-wide
New York’s EMS System Is at a Breaking Point
Emergency Medical Services are essential—but the system behind them is no longer sustainable.
There are too few EMTs and Paramedics, and no reliable pipeline of new talent
Reimbursement of services to EMS agencies is way below actual costs to respond
Delays will continue to increase for access to well trained and well equipped ambulance crews
What’s Happening?
Across New York, demand for ambulances is increasing.
Costs have increased.
Training requirements have increased.
Reimbursement for this critical work has not.
What was once a stable public safety system is now stretched thin—especially in rural and underserved communities.
The model is broken
EMS is unsustainable with a reimbursement for response model.
It needs to be funded for readiness: well trained professionals ready 24/7 to respond to it’s community.
Why this matters
Delays in care
Many communities rely on a volunteer model that doesn’t meet modern needs or are otherwise understaffed to respond in a timely fashion.
System Overload
Our ambulance and our emergency departments are overburdened with more patients with different needs. We haven’t kept up to support that burden.
Access Gaps
Our rural communities feel the impact the most: longer trips to the hospital, fewer local specialties, and fewer ambulances ready to respond.
