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Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has announced a new plan aimed at addressing gaps in emergency medical services (EMS) coverage throughout the county. During a press conference on Wednesday (March 26) at the New Paltz Rescue Squad headquarters, Metzger introduced a partnership between the county and New Paltz Rescue. This collaboration will enable New Paltz Rescue to respond to advanced life support (ALS) service calls in the Gardiner Fire District.
The county expects to receive a municipal certificate of need soon, which will allow it to bill Medicaid and Medicare for ambulance services provided outside New Paltz Rescue's usual coverage area. The ultimate goal is to establish a network of regional EMS districts across Ulster County.
According to the Daily Freeman, Metzger highlighted that about 65% of emergency calls in the county require ALS, yet many municipalities lack these services. To address this, the county will allocate $4.4 million to municipalities and six anchor agencies to help with operational and equipment costs. These agencies, which provide the best ALS service, will receive $2.8 million, while the remaining $1.6 million will be distributed among towns based on population, assessment, and call volume.
The plan, developed by Ulster County Emergency Services Director Everett Erichsen, aims to bridge disparities in ALS and basic life support (BLS) services. Erichsen stated, "With county funding, they will serve as critical response hubs, providing supplemental, essential coverage to municipalities struggling with limited EMS resources."
The county's initiative comes as local governments face rising costs and challenges in providing EMS. As reported by Times Hudson Valley, Ulster County is applying for a Municipal Certificate of Need to improve ALS coverage in underserved areas. If approved, the county will partner with existing ALS providers, oversee billing and service, and work with local governments to share costs.