A Major Step Toward Strengthening EMS Services for All Residents
On Thursday, May 15, Ulster County received a Municipal Ambulance Service Operating Certificate of Need (Muni-CON) from the New York State Department of Health, which will enable the County Department of Emergency Services to play a facilitative role in extending contracts with existing providers to underserved areas of the County.
The Muni-CON grants Ulster County the authority and flexibility to support EMS delivery in areas where gaps exist and local resources are strained. The County will partner with local EMS agencies and municipalities to ensure Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage in targeted areas and a consistent, reliable emergency response. The County will enter into contracts with ALS providers, overseeing billing and service, with costs shared among participating municipalities and agencies. In addition to closing service gaps, this approach helps local governments save time and staff resources by streamlining EMS contract administration.
“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 Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. "With the Muni-CON, we can begin to address EMS gaps in service by working collaboratively with local providers and municipalities to strengthen and expand coverage. I want to thank Emergency Services Director Everett Erichsen for developing this plan and Legislator Jason Kovacs for introducing the resolution that enabled us to proceed with Muni-CON.”
“This is a critical step toward building a more resilient and coordinated EMS system,” said Everett Erichsen, Ulster County Department of Emergency Services Director. “With the Muni-CON in place, Ulster County can now act swiftly to fill service gaps, reduce response times, and ensure that no community is left behind in their time of need. But none of this would be possible without the dedication, experience, and tireless work of our Emergency Services team. Their commitment to collaboration and innovation is what makes real progress like this possible.”
“Securing the Certificate of Need is a major step forward for our community,” said Jason J. Kovacs, Ulster County Legislator. “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.”
“This Ambulance Service Certificate is the first milestone in realizing the commitment our County leadership and EMS agencies have made towards ensuring the EMS needs of the residents and visitors in our County are addressed comprehensively throughout their experience with our Emergency Services system,” said Rich Miller, Ulster County Emergency Services Deputy Director/EMS Coordinator. “There are many more milestones that will be met as we work to achieve our goals.”
The County Department of Emergency Services, Division of EMS will continue working closely with local volunteer and commercial ambulance providers to build a County-wide approach that enhances service delivery, supports frontline responders, and improves patient outcomes.
As part of this effort, Ulster County has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Gardiner to begin providing supplemental EMS service starting June 1. Additionally, the Ulster County Legislature is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a contract with New Paltz Rescue Squad to support the launch of this municipal service.
