Timothy P. Egan, Chairperson of the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN), Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services and CEO of Rockland Mobile Care said, “On behalf of our more than 30 members who provide vital ambulance services across New York State, we commend the Senate for passing the Rescue EMS package. Most notably, the TIP/TAD bill will support better patient care and save both hospital and EMS resources. This is a tremendous victory for ambulance service providers. Our members are grateful to be deemed providers of “essential services” so long as any associated new funding boosts existing providers to fill the gaps in EMS coverage. Additionally, we are happy to see the Medicaid Rate Reform bill pass after subsidizing the program for many years. This package of legislation will strengthen ambulance service providers and the overall healthcare of New Yorkers.”
NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario said, “With local EMS systems struggling under the weight of increased costs, workforce shortages, and high demand for increasingly complex services, the legislation passed today in the State Senate is a monumental step forward in ensuring these services are available to our residents in their hour of need. By working closely with counties, EMS providers and professionals, and our partners in the legislature, were able to craft legislation that addresses the root causes of this crisis and provides counties with the authority and flexibility they need to fund this essential service. We applaud Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the individual bill sponsors for their commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to fast, reliable EMS.”
Edward Tase, Jr., President of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York said, “FASNY greatly appreciates the leadership the Senate has shown in the passage of these important measures supporting the delivery of EMS services across our state. The backbone of the volunteer fire and EMS services throughout New York are the dedicated men and women who train and respond to their neighbors' calls for help. This work is essential, and it is well past the time that it is treated accordingly. More specifically, in today's challenging economic times, an increase to the income tax credit for these dedicated volunteers would be an important addition to our recruitment and retention toolbox. FASNY appreciates the Senate’s continued leadership on passing this income tax credit increase year after year and urges this to be the year the Assembly does the same.”
NYSACHO Executive Director Sarah Ravenhall, MHA, CHES said, “Our public health systems and communities count on EMS to be there when we need them, and they always are. But we must not take that for granted. Every facet of our public health system requires investment and support, including EMS. We are grateful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the Senate for their leadership in supporting the ‘Rescue EMS’ package, and we urge the Assembly and Governor to join the Senate and act now to ensure our EMS infrastructure has the resources it needs to save lives and keep our communities safe.”
NYSVARA Legislative Committee Chair Steven Kroll said, “The New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association (NYSVARA) is pleased to endorse this package of Senate bills that support emergency medical services. We are grateful to the Senate sponsors and look forward to working with them to protect access to ambulance services in New York communities. We are the first health professionals that people see when they are ill or injured and there is an insufficient number of available EMTs and Paramedics to meet the needs of New York State communities. This crisis is a threat to public safety and health, and we thank the New York State Senate for their leadership on behalf of the thousands of selfless volunteer EMS responders that we represent. We are struggling to survive, and ambulance services must get paid for treatment provided when we don’t take a patient to the hospital and EMS must become an essential service.”
Alanna Badgley, Co-Founder EMS Sustainability Alliance, said, “For too long, our prehospital healthcare system has been struggling to the detriment of both EMS professionals and the patients we serve. Today, the Senate took a huge step forward in addressing these underlying issues. By passing this package of bills, they are laying the foundation for regrowth and building a more sustainable EMS system in New York. The EMS providers in this state are incredibly grateful to our leaders for taking these historic actions.”