Gov Hochul vetoes NYC EMS two-person crew bill citing cost staffing

Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have mandated two qualified medical first responders for all 911 emergency responses in New York City, citing financial and staffing concerns. The legislation, inspired by the 2022 stabbing death of FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo, aimed to enhance responder safety by requiring additional staffing on ambulances and supervisor vehicles. Hochul noted that implementing the bill would require hiring about 290 additional EMTs at an annual cost of $25 million and could reduce the number of ambulances available by reallocating EMTs to supervisory roles. The FDNY supported the veto, warning that the bill would lead to fewer ambulances on the streets and longer response times, emphasizing that ambulances are already staffed by two EMTs or paramedics. EMS unions and local officials criticized the decision, arguing that the law was necessary for responder safety and better patient care. The bill’s rejection highlights ongoing tensions between fiscal constraints, emergency response staffing, and safety for EMS personnel in New York City.