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Kingston lawmakers have approved funding for a fifth ambulance in the city, allocating $263,000 for the purchase. The decision, made during a City Common Council meeting on Tuesday (June 3), aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and reduce the likelihood of all ambulances being unavailable at the same time. The funding is contingent upon a grant from the state Dormitory Authority, which is expected to reimburse the cost as reported by the Daily Freeman.
The city currently operates two advanced life support ambulances, one for basic calls, and another equipped for mental health crises. The addition of a fifth ambulance is expected to improve response times and ensure that the city's emergency services can handle the hundreds of calls they receive each month.
This move aligns with broader efforts across Ulster County to strengthen emergency medical services (EMS). The Ulster County Legislature recently approved a $4.7 million EMS Stabilization and Enhancement Plan, which aims to provide financial support, performance-based incentives, and new oversight measures to improve EMS delivery countywide according to Ulster County's official site.
The plan includes significant investments to support existing EMS services and strengthen advanced life support response across the county. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure high-quality EMS for all residents, reflecting the growing demand for emergency services and the need for efficient and reliable response capabilities.