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Volunteer New Canaan EMS outlines operations, paramedic contract and vehicle needs
Summary
New Canaan EMS reported 1,734 calls and 1,813 patients last year, described volunteer recruitment and training, and asked for operating and a capital vehicle request; treasurer said the Norwalk Hospital paramedic contract is fixed at $465,000/year.
Barb Clayton, president of New Canaan EMS, told the board that the volunteer service responded to 1,734 calls and transported 1,813 patients last year and that volunteers logged roughly 28,633 hours of service.
"We provide 24/7 emergency medical services to all of our New Canaan residents," Clayton said, describing the organization as a fully volunteer, certified EMT service that transports patients to Norwalk and Stamford hospitals at no cost to patients.
John Knight, treasurer, reviewed EMS budget lines. He said the paramedic contract with Norwalk Hospital runs through June 30, 2028, is fixed at $465,000 per year and that vehicle repair contributions are proposed to increase 3%. Knight proposed a 5% increase in medical supplies — from $58,342 to about $61,260 — to cover additional paramedic‑slot product costs that Norwalk began billing the service for in October 2024. He also outlined a capital request for a paramedic vehicle (SUV) budgeted at $85,000 that includes radios and outfitting.
Board members thanked EMS leadership for volunteer recruitment and training programs; several members asked for trend data and five‑year comparisons so the board can track calls, training and capital needs across budgets.
Clayton said the service uses fundraising, a soft annual appeal and occasional legacy gifts to cover fitting costs on new vehicles and operating shortfalls.
