Emergency Medical Services projects large revenue gains and urges staffing and equipment restorations

New Bedford Emergency Medical Services Director Michael Thomas told the City Council on May 21 that EMS responded to more than 23,000 calls in 2024 and projects significant revenue increases for FY25 that he said would strengthen operational capacity.

Thomas said ambulance deliveries ordered in FY24 have been delayed and that medical supply costs and supply‑chain disruptions continue to pressure budgets. He reported a roughly 10% increase in medical emergencies in FY25 and said the department could not staff one impact truck because of prior year budget cuts.

Thomas said the EMS training academy — now in its third class — is producing a pipeline of EMTs and paramedics and that several revenue‑earning hires have completed state requirements and are already contributing to operations. He told councilors that FY25 revenue growth has pushed projected revenues toward $9,000,000 and that additional ambulance capacity and IFT (interfacility‑transfer) work are part of that increase.

Councilors asked about turnover and staffing. Thomas said turnover has improved in the prior year largely because crews now operate 24‑hour shifts; he said at the time of the hearing the service had three open positions (two left recently, plus openings in dispatch and a previously cut medic truck), but that recruiting has been stable.

Thomas said capital outlay for vehicle purchases fell from prior years because several vehicle loans were paid off. He said temporary staffing levels and vacancy savings have fluctuated year to year and that FY26 projections will reflect current hiring plans.

Ending: Thomas invited councilors to follow up with the department for additional line‑by‑line details; he said he was available to meet individually to review numbers.

(Details: Thomas cited higher revenues from IFTs and expanded service; he emphasized supply cost increases and delays in vehicle delivery.)