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To the editor:
FDNY EMS response times to 911 calls for those in life-threatening medical situations — heart attacks, choking, unconsciousness and major injuries — remain too long. Last month, such patients waited an average of 11 minutes and 46 seconds for emergency treatment by paramedics with advanced life support ambulances.
FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker recently said, “Our EMS system has operated on an unsustainable model for years, and without immediate attention and proper investment it could soon collapse.”
Fundamentally, EMS cannot staff its ambulances because of its woefully inadequate pay. After 5 1⁄2 years, the yearly base pay of two "first responders" within the FDNY is almost $46,000 apart. A firefighter's is $105,146, while an EMT’s is $59,534.
In 2024, firefighters responded to 2,158 serious fires and emergencies, while, EMTs and paramedics answered 627,599 life-threatening emergency calls. There are over 10,000 firefighters and about 4,400 EMS workers.
Testifying before a City Council committee about the already high EMS attrition rate five years ago, then-FDNY EMS Chief Lillian Bonsignore said that although there were several factors that could lead members to leave the department, the biggest “is the firefighter promotional exam . . . we know that another key factor in the members departing is pay."
Who's done what about either since then?
Helen Northmore
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Local2507
Ms. Northmore makes a very clear, concise and ACCURATE description of the continuing disparity in pay between EMS workers and Firefighters. It is clear that this is an injustice and must be corrected. On top of this issue is the recently published story about the impact on first responders' mental health given the intensity and sometimes horrific situations that they must deal with.
Whoever wants to be Mayor after the next election should stand up and make their position known on this issue!!
Mike Stein
EMS Paramedic - Retired
Wednesday, March 12 Report this