Ulster County is a step closer to a countywide extension of emergency medical services by existing providers to underserved areas of the county. On Thursday, May 15, the county government received a state certificate of need to enhance service delivery, support frontline responders, and improve patient outcomes.
The county has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Gardiner to begin providing supplemental EMS service starting June 1. On May 20, the county legislature approved a contract with New Paltz Rescue Squad to support the launch of this municipal service.
“Securing the certificate of need is a major step forward for our community,” said legislator Jason J. Kovacs. “This approval means we can finally move ahead with the EMS services our residents deserve — locally based, accountable, and responsive. I’m proud to have supported this effort and grateful to everyone who helped get us to this point.”
The present EMS system is fragmented, with services being provided on a townwide basis in many communities and by private as well as public companies.
“As a county government, we can play a valuable role in bolstering our EMS system to ensure that our residents receive the urgent care they need, regardless of where they live in the county,” said county executive Jen Metzger.
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