The American Ambulance Association says without relief, the 911 system “seems likely to break.” Emergency Medical Technicians in New York say the strain they’re dealing with comes to an already fragile system.
“When you have a shortage of volunteers and a shortage of paid paramedics and EMTs, it does create a level of stress on the system even in good times,” said Steven Kroll, New York Legislative Chair New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association.
During COVID-19 times, that’s felt even more. Jeff Call with the United New York Ambulance Network says, in a lot of places, people are afraid to go to the hospital so EMTs are treating patients at home.
“We don’t get reimbursed unless we transport the patient, so we’re seeing an uptick in those calls, and we’re not being able to bill anyone because Medicare and Medicaid don’t pay for treatment in place,” Call said.