A new report from the New York State Rural Ambulance Task Force exposes a critical reality that EMS leaders across the country are feeling every day:

"Today, EMS is an unanticipated safety-net provider of pre-hospital healthcare, to all patients regardless of their ability to pay for services." 

While the report is focused on rural agencies in New York, its core finding could just as easily be true anywhere in the country: EMS agencies and systems are nearing a breaking point. 

In states like New York, the critical needs of EMS are starting to be noticed, but the real work remains. The report includes 38 proposals as a starting point to help address this crisis, including: 

• Designating EMS as an essential public service, and allowing the creation of special taxing districts to promote sustainable funding 
• Developing countywide/regional EMS systems to foster a more efficient allocation of resources and coverage 
• Improving Medicaid reimbursement, through rate increases and mechanisms for reimbursement of treatment in place/transport to alternate destinations 
• Strengthening data collection and reporting and establishing an accreditation process for EMS agencies to support increased reimbursement, public funding and grant opportunities 
• Supporting workforce development, through a designated minimum wage for EMS providers and a 3-year public affairs campaign to promote volunteerism and EMS as a career

For EMS agencies across the country, this report shines a light on the importance of thoughtful system design, knowing your agency's clinical, operational and financial data, and being prepared to communicate your agency's needs in a clear voice.  

Because the question isn't whether these challenges identified in New York apply to your agency – it's whether you're prepared to meet them head on and build a more sustainable future. 

Click here to read the full report.