'Chronic EMT Shortage': Mayer, Otis Call For EMS Protections

PORT CHESTER, NY — Citing a chronic shortage of qualified EMTs, lawmakers hit the ground in an attempt to bring attention to the public safety threat and hopefully to put pressure on colleagues in Albany to pass legislation crafted to address the issue.

Standing in front of Port Chester - Rye - Rye Brook EMS, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis on Wednesday called on state lawmakers to pass their legislation to classify “emergency medical services” as “essential services” under the law and to combat the shortage of EMS personnel by ensuring they have access to health and pension benefits.

"For years, our voluntary and other emergency medical service providers have been left to survive without acknowledging that they are truly ‘essential’ to our society," Mayer told those gathered. "In addition, it is outrageous that our first responders can be denied health benefits when we turn to them to address our own medical emergencies."

By establishing EMS as an essential service, municipalities would be required to provide it to their residents in a reliable manner as a matter of NYS policy. It would also create a minimum standard of care through regional and state EMS councils to guarantee all New Yorkers are receiving quality care, the elected officials said.

"There is a staffing crisis in EMT services around the state," Otis said. "We must give EMT services the tools they need to attract and retain the personnel they require. This legislation will be an important step."

It is also hoped the legislation would encourage people to serve as emergency medical personnel by securing access to the New York State Pension System and the State Health Insurance program where possible. These benefits are already guaranteed for police and firefighters.

Mayer and Otis said the long-standing, statewide shortage was first brought to their attention by the Westchester County volunteer first responder community.

"EMS is in crisis throughout the nation, the state, and here in Westchester County," Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Richard Wishnie explained. "This problem has been brewing for decades and was pushed over the edge by Covid-19."

He added that last year, County Executive Latimer requested the county’s EMS Advisory Board to study the issue and make recommendations for improvements. During the process, Mayer met with the EMS Advisory Board to hear firsthand about the issue.

"EMS is currently at a crisis point," Rye Brook Administrator Chris Bradbury agreed. "These dedicated, essential workers have always been there for us and now they need our help. Recruitment and retention efforts have become difficult, as well as the lack of clear and consistent standards among the different agencies."