Ulster County committee adopts $4.7 million EMS stabilization and enhancement plan

Ulster County’s Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee voted May 7 to adopt the Ulster County EMS Stabilization and Enhanced Plan and amend the 2025 county budget to provide $4.7 million aimed at sustaining and expanding emergency medical services across the county.

County officials and EMS leaders told legislators the plan is intended to stabilize a system strained by post‑COVID staffing losses and increasing readiness costs. "Without funding to address the cost of readiness ... our failing system will eventually collapse and we're pretty close," said Rich Miller, deputy director of emergency medical services, during a presentation to the committee.

The plan sets five equally weighted focal points: a financial component, oversight, coordination, education and accountability. It preserves existing employing arrangements and infrastructure while directing county funds to enhance local transport-capable EMS agencies and municipalities that accept responsibility for patient care. Director Scott Erickson reported recent call volume of 8,697 total calls, of which 5,030 were 911 calls — about 289 calls per day — underscoring officials'…