New York City ambulance response times decline amid rising emergencies

A report from New York City Comptroller Mark Levine reveals that emergency medical service (EMS) response times have significantly deteriorated over the last decade. Analyzing FDNY data from fiscal years 2015 to 2026, the report found a more than 22% increase in life-threatening medical emergencies during this period. Response times for these critical calls increased by 3 minutes and 50 seconds, a rise of over 41%.

Response times for non-life-threatening emergencies have more than doubled. Several factors contribute to these delays, including a shortage of operational ambulances due to frequent maintenance needs. In January, the FDNY had only 360 ambulances in service, falling short of the daily target of 488.

The report also highlights staffing issues driven by low wages. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) face high turnover rates, with starting salaries around $44,000. The Comptroller’s office suggests increasing EMS wages to levels comparable with private hospitals, an estimated cost of $352 million, to address these structural problems.