NYSAC Releases New Report as EMS Planning Deadline Approaches

New York’s EMS system is undergoing a major transition, and counties are increasingly being called on to fill gaps left by declining volunteerism, workforce shortages and rising costs. That makes NYSAC’s new report, EMS in New York State, especially timely as every county works toward the state’s December 19 deadline for comprehensive county EMS plans.

The report shows just how quickly the landscape is changing. A statewide survey found that 22 counties were already providing ambulance service in some form, with 11 more planning or considering it. At the same time, the number of active EMS practitioners statewide fell 18% between 2019 and 2022, including a 29% decline in paramedics. Nearly half of EMS agencies remain entirely volunteer-based, while reimbursement systems often fail to cover the true cost of keeping crews and ambulances ready around the clock. 

There is no single model for how counties should respond. The report examines approaches ranging from direct county-operated service and contracting to coordination of existing providers, with case studies from counties including Ulster, Greene and Dutchess. Together, they illustrate both the opportunities for stronger countywide coordination and the significant fiscal, workforce and governance challenges involved. 
Check out the full report to better understand the changing EMS landscape, how counties are responding and what the new state planning requirement means for the future of emergency medical services in New York.