Two Westchester-based EMS organizations are calling for additional funding, as costs nationwide increase
Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Mohegan EMS are calling for local officials to step in amidst growing funding concerns.
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Two Westchester County-based EMS Corps are calling for additional funding, as costs nationwide continue to increase.
Chief Rick Davin, with Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, says the cost of staffing, medical supplies and other key necessities has increased.
"We're just looking for ways to keep up with the rising costs so we can continue to provide the service that we do to our residents," said Davin.
That is why the department and Mohegan EMS are calling for additional funding.
Both departments say a plan is needed before the funding-demand gap reaches its breaking point.
"The path forward from here: we have to increase our staffing. We have to increase our agency resources. We have three ambulances. Three ambulances for 4,100 calls a year. That's not enough," said Chief Matthew Kness with Mohegan EMS.
EMS and local elected officials from both Yorktown and Cortlandt gathered in March for a roundtable to address the issue.
A study was proposed looking into potential solutions, including how much it might cost the average taxpayer, but no action was taken.
Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman says the state may need to get involved.
"It's going to involve taxing and right now, our residents are stretched. We've tried to keep our budget flat, as much as possible, and adding more to it, to our taxpayers, seems to be hurting right now," said Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman.
A second round table discussion has been moved to May 28.
