N.Y. Town Finding Ways to Make EMS Succeed Despite Challenges

  GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (WNYT) -- If you have to dial 911, you don't want problems. However, as a NewsChannel 13 investigation recently discovered, the current system leaves many medical responders underpaid and overworked. That means they may not be at their best when they answer your call. Our report last week uncovered a number of issues plaguing the industry. To recap, we'll break them down, starting with a big problem that affects ambulance companies across the board – whether they be private, non-profit, volunteer, or run by a municipality. That problem is low pay. Next, the hours an EMT works are not regulated by the state and are based on self-reporting. Agencies that are short staffed have to enforce mandatory overtime, creating an unsafe environment with tired workers. The cost of maintaining payroll, health insurance, life insurance, equipment, fuel and other ambulance related costs is very high -- and businesses can't recoup expenses, because EMS is not considered to be an essential service by the state like police and fire are.
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News News Videos Administration and Leadership Source Type: news