Longtime New York EMT says rural agencies need more volunteers

Lack of volunteers slowing response times in rural New York, EMT says

Bob Voncoughnett has been responding to emergency calls for decades
Rural ambulance crews in upstate New York, need volunteers, he said
The younger generation doesn't have the time to committ as volunteers

Updated: Sep 2, 2024 / 11:28 AM CDT

(NewsNation) — Staffing and funding are among the largest challenges facing New York’s volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) crews.

There were more than 40,000 active EMS practitioners in New York State in 2018, according to a March report by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

By 2022, that number fell more than 17% to 33,000. It’s unclear whether an overall reduction in service providers or service levels is driving the decline, since the most recent figures include the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of those practitioners were also part-time workers, according to the report.

Fewer volunteers means squads must respond to fewer calls, said upstate New York ambulance volunteer Bob Vancoughnett.

“The strain is cast upon the neighboring agencies to cover those calls,” he said. “Transport distances become longer. There are delays sometimes in service to some people.”

Frequently cited staffing issues include declining volunteerism, difficulties recruiting qualified staff and low pay for EMS staff compared to other occupations in health care and public safety, according to the report.

A separate 2019 report by the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council cited a study that suggests 52% of agencies using volunteer responders agreed their ability to respond promptly was moderately or severely impaired by shortages in certified volunteer staff.

Anecdotally, the issue has led to citizens’ increased reliance on paid emergency services.

The lower wages EMS workers receive are part of the recruiting challenge. Workers in health care and first-responder jobs tend to earn much more, according to the March report. Average hourly wages for EMTs are close to the New York State minimum wage.

Volunteers like Vancoughnett are integral to their communities as the next hospital is often hours away.

“Frankly, most rural agencies in the country are staffed primarily by volunteers,” Vancoughnett said. “Their funding is limited. Their resources are limited.”

The younger generation doesn’t have the same time and effort to commit to volunteer work, he added.

“If you have some time and you can get involved, please do…” Vancoughnett said. “Get on the letter-writing campaign to your elected politicians. Let them know these rural agencies need funding.”