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Dutchess County has successfully launched its supplemental ambulance coverage, enhancing emergency medical services (EMS) across the region. County Executive Sue Serino announced that the new service, which began on January 1, 2025, is part of a $2 million investment included in the county's 2025 budget. The initiative aims to address gaps in EMS coverage and improve response times by contracting with Empress Ambulance Service.
The supplemental service includes two Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances and one Advanced Life Support (ALS) fly car, strategically stationed to cover areas with historically longer response times. In its first week, the service was dispatched 58 times to towns such as East Fishkill, Pawling, and Wappinger, responding to various medical emergencies.
County Executive Serino emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "By contracting for countywide ambulance units, we are addressing gaps in EMS coverage, improving response times, and ensuring neighbors have access to timely, high-quality emergency care." The service is designed to supplement existing EMS providers, ensuring timely care when primary services are unavailable.
The county is also in discussions with Ambulnz by DocGo to serve as a secondary provider during peak demand times. The supplemental ambulance coverage is part of a broader EMS initiative that includes workforce recruitment, retention, and public education efforts.
County EMS Council President Chrissy Eighmy praised the initiative, stating, "This new supplemental service is a significant move forward by the county in helping to address the various challenges for EMS." The county continues to review coverage data and encourages feedback from fire and rescue agencies to ensure the service meets community needs.