City officials and emergency medical services (EMS) workers gathered for a public meeting on November 13, 2025, to discuss pressing issues within the EMS sector, particularly concerning staff retention and pay disparities. The witnesses underscored that improving conditions for EMS personnel is critical to not only improve retention but also enhance public safety and service quality in New York City.
Panelists highlighted the alarming trend of EMS staff leaving their positions faster than new hires can be trained. The department reportedly loses 10 to 15 EMS workers each week due to low pay and insufficient support. Those testifying called for immediate action to fix pay equity, emphasizing that salary parity between EMS and fire department personnel is essential to address recruitment and retention woes. One paramedic stated that closing the pay gap could retain workers, asserting that pay parity is the “number one issue” facing the department today (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=10051).
The meeting further revealed that response times for critical medical emergencies have worsened, now exceeding 12 minutes for life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrests, which can significantly affect patient survival rates. Testimony suggested that higher turnover rates contribute directly to these delays, as experienced personnel leave for better-paying jobs elsewhere (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=7119).
A significant factor contributing to the rapid attrition was identified as the promotional exam process that allows EMS personnel to transition into firefighter roles. Witnesses argued that this system incentivizes EMS workers to leave their jobs rather than remain in the EMS field. The current promotional structure effectively transforms EMS into a mere stepping stone for many workers aiming to advance to firefighting roles (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=9974). A recommendation emerged to eliminate or reform the promotional exam for firefighters, which could help keep experienced EMS personnel where they are critically needed (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=10051).
Mental health support was another topic of concern, with panelists noting a rising incidence of mental health struggles among EMS workers, including a troubling rate of suicides in the workforce. Despite the demands of their jobs, there has been a lack of adequate mental health resources dedicated to EMS workers. Testimony indicated that current mental health services available are primarily designed for firefighters, leaving EMS personnel without sufficient support (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=7971).
To address these issues, speakers emphasized the need for a dedicated and independent EMS agency that prioritizes healthcare over firefighting objectives. Such an organization could streamline operations, improve training, and support mental health initiatives tailored specifically to the challenges EMS workers face daily (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=7803).
The call for better funding reflects a widespread sentiment among EMS workers and advocates, who argue that investing in personnel and resources will directly contribute to improved health outcomes in the community, ultimately leading to better services for New Yorkers in emergency situations (Source: https://youtu.be/CuNcfSvgHlk&t=7719).
As the city faces ongoing challenges in EMS staffing and response times, the solutions proposed during the meeting will require urgent attention from city officials to ensure that public safety remains a top priority for all residents of New York City.
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