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Title: EMS Leadership Academy Highlights Urgent Need to Address EMS Workforce Crisis

Albany, NY, United States, 6th Jan 2025 - The EMS workforce is experiencing a significant decline, with a 17.5% decrease in active responders in New York State between 2019 and 2022. The diminishing number of EMS providers jeopardizes the ability of communities to respond effectively to emergencies, creating a public health concern.The number of ambulance services has also declined, with New York State experiencing a 9% reduction over the past decade. This trend exacerbates the strain on existing EMS providers and increases the risks for communities that rely on ambulance services when they call 911.Underfunding Creates Unsustainable ModelsThe EMS system faces a challenging financial landscape, heavily reliant on reimbursement systems that often fail to cover the actual costs of care. Many communities view EMS services as revenue-generating opportunities rather than essential public safety investments. This funding approach has led to systemic issues, including:Low wages: Many emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics earn wages comparable to entry-level positions in other industries, despite the high-stakes nature of their work. Overworked professionals: A large percentage of EMS professionals work more than 40 hours weekly, often holding multiple jobs to meet financial needs. Physical and mental health challenges: Many EMS providers face barriers to maintaining physical health and report high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue, contributing to significant workforce attrition.Leadership and Systemic Change Are KeyTo address these challenges, the EMS Leadership Academy advocates for strategic reforms and leadership development. These include:Sustainable funding models: Local governments must prioritize funding for EMS services to ensure agencies...

This press release is issued by King Newswire