Despite concerns over rising 911 response times and chronic EMS staffing shortages, New Yorkers shouldn’t expect to see more ambulance workers anytime soon.
Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill this month that would have required New York City ambulances to be staffed by two qualified medical first responders, which supporters say could have improved response times and worker safety. FDNY officials said they urged the governor to reject the bill, warning it would result in fewer ambulances on the streets and longer response times.
The legislation was inspired by the fatal 2022 stabbing of FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo, who was working alone in a city-issued vehicle when she was attacked outside her station house in Queens. She was 61…