Legislature approves applying for DASNY grant to add paramedic-level capacity to RMR

Tompkins County authorized application for a Dormitory Authority (DASNY) grant to expand the Rapid Medical Response (RMR) program toward paramedic-level (ALS) care. County presenters described a plan to outfit vehicles and staff one ALS 'fly car' (described as a 0.25 vehicle), adding advanced equipment and hiring paramedic-level personnel; the total expansion cost was estimated at about $988,000 with $500,000 in capital purchased through the grant and roughly $490,000 in ongoing expenses to be borne locally.

Joe and Mike from Emergency Response explained that the grant would pay for major capital items such as cardiac monitors and vehicle upgrades, while local funds would cover recurring supplies, payroll and fringe. "The grant would cover any major capital expenses in advanced lifesaving equipment such as cardiac monitors, upgrading our vehicles, as well as renovation space for building space," Joe said during the presentation. Legislators probed staffing models, hours, and alternatives to full expansion; several asked whether the county could accept the grant with flexibility in the implementation plan to keep the baseline vehicle count at three if needed. County administration (Corso) said the award acceptance and implementation plan would return to the Legislature for approval and that the county was exploring billing, CON (Certificate of Need) status and potential dedicated revenue streams.

Members expressed caution about long-term fiscal targets but supported applying for the grant to expand life-saving capacity. The resolution to apply for the DASNY/expansion grant was adopted by unanimous voice/hand-raise vote.