Heartbreaking testimony from EMS leaders at City Council hearing as union pushes for better pay, end to staffing crisis

EMS leaders and union representatives testified at a City Council hearing about the critical need for higher pay and improved staffing in New York City's emergency medical services, citing rising response times, high worker attrition, and severe financial strain on the city. Union officials highlighted that starting salaries for EMTs are under $40,000 annually and that the city has spent $250 million over a decade training staff who leave within years due to burnout and inadequate compensation.