During a recent meeting of the Tompkins County Council of Governments, significant discussions centered on the urgent need for improved emergency medical services (EMS) across the county. Key stakeholders, including representatives from Dryden and Trumansburg Ambulance services, emphasized the challenges faced by local EMS providers, particularly regarding the equitable distribution of ambulance services.

Pat Kuhl, a member of the city council and former employee of Bangs Ambulance, highlighted the importance of gaining a practitioner’s perspective on the current state of ambulance services. He noted that the county has embraced a resolution advocating for EMS to be recognized as an essential service in New York State. This resolution aims to address the existing gaps in service and ensure that all areas of the county receive timely ambulance response.

A critical point raised during the meeting was the disproportionate burden placed on certain municipalities. Kuhl pointed out that Dryden Ambulance responds to 40% of its calls outside its district, which raises concerns about fairness and sustainability. Similarly, Trumansburg Ambulance reported that about 15% of its calls occur outside its service area. This trend indicates a growing need for a more balanced approach to EMS coverage throughout the county.

The discussions also touched on the role of the city of Ithaca in the EMS landscape. Kuhl suggested that city leadership should be more actively involved in conversations about ambulance service provision, especially as the city may need to consider establishing its own service in the future. He expressed concern that neither Dryden nor Trumansburg Ambulance has the capacity to cover the city of Ithaca on a 24/7 basis.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue among county legislators and EMS providers to address these pressing issues. The rapid medical response program was acknowledged for its positive impact, but participants agreed that further efforts are necessary to ensure a robust and equitable EMS system for all residents of Tompkins County.