New York EMS providers want to be recognized as ‘essential service’

CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. (WCAX) - North Country EMS providers want lawmakers to pass legislation recognizing them as an essential service.

Champlain Mooers EMS Capt. Cory Thompson says the crew currently contracts with three different municipalities per year for funding.

He says funding for emergency services is lumped into the overall budget for a town or village, which prevents taxpayers from seeing exactly where their money goes.

If lawmakers recognize EMS as an essential service, Thompson says providers could establish their own tax districts, allowing long-term budget planning and the ability to hire more paid staff.

"The taxable revenues and billing revenues would allow us to staff our ambulances properly, with paid staff and volunteers to handle the calls we have in our district," Thompson said.

He says they're on track to respond to 1,700 calls this year, more than double the call volume of 10 years ago.