By Michael V. Cusenza
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) on Tuesday blasted Gov. Kathy Hochul for vetoing a bill that would set minimum staffing standards for employees performing emergency medical services in the 911 system in a city with a population of over one million people.
The bill was inspired by slain FDNY EMS officer Alison Russo Elling.
“Albany had a chance to put EMS safety first, and instead chose politics and excuses,” Ariola said in a statement. “The governor’s veto tells every EMT and paramedic in New York City that their safety has a price tag, and it’s one that our state leaders aren’t willing to pay.
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The bill was inspired by slain EMS officer Alison Russo Elling.
“When New York City said it was having trouble paying for the migrant crisis, the powers that be upstate had no problem sending billions of dollars down to cover the cost of migrant housing and services. But when our heroes need funding, suddenly the state can’t find anything to spare for their safety. This is wildly unacceptable, and tells me exactly where Albany’s priorities truly lie.
“This city will continue to work to protect our EMS personnel, and hopefully the latest hiring drive will yield positive results and help alleviate the load our workers are currently facing. The current drive’s filing window closes on Nov. 25, and I am aware of many who are signing up to answer the call and keep New Yorkers safe.”
According to the State Senate, the bill would ensure that ambulances responding to calls for emergency medical services in a city with a population of more than one million people will be adequately staffed to provide necessary care and to ensure the safety and security of the EMTs, paramedic and their supervisors who respond to those calls.
“This bill would mandate that EMS units responding to calls for 911 emergency medical services in cities with more than a million persons be staffed by two qualified responders—two EMTs, two advanced EMTs (i.e., paramedics), or a supervisor with another who is an EMT of advanced EMT (i.e., paramedics).This is necessary not only for the provision of needed medical services, but also for the safety and security of the responders,” according to the language of the bill.
