In a compelling episode of Small Town Life, host Dave Warner brings together New York State Senator Mark Walczyk, Kelly Brown, CFO of Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps (MOVAC), and Scott Kinville, a dedicated fireman and EMT from Little Falls, to tackle a critical issue: the fight to make emergency medical services (EMS) an essential service in New York State.
This eye-opening discussion reveals the challenges facing rural EMS and why listeners need to join the conversation.
The episode dives into a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senator Walczyk, which aims to designate EMS as an essential service, ensuring better funding, staffing, and regional coordination.
Despite unanimous Senate support, the bill stalled in the Assembly, leaving rural communities like those in the 49th District vulnerable.
Kelly Brown shares the harsh realities of running MOVAC, from staffing shortages to long hospital wait times, while Scott Kinville highlights the burnout and training demands EMS workers face daily.
With call volumes skyrocketing and only 30 cents on the dollar reimbursed for services, the podcast exposes the financial and emotional toll on rural EMS providers.
The guests propose solutions like online training, increased funding, and creative recruitment to address the crisis.
Senator Walczyk calls for public advocacy to advance the bill, particularly as the state budget season approaches this fall.
Don’t miss this vital conversation about life-and-death services in our communities.
Listen to Small Town Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform, or watch the full video on YouTube. Tune in, get informed, and help advocate for stronger EMS in New York!
