Governor Hochul Rejects Legislation Aimed at Enhancing EMS Staffing for NYC 911 Calls Following First Responder’s Tragic Death

Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that was inspired by the tragic stabbing of EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo in 2022. The proposed legislation aimed to mandate the presence of two qualified medical first responders at 911 emergency situations across New York City.

Citing her reasons on October 16, Governor Hochul stated that the bill would create financial and staffing challenges for the city. The initiative would necessitate hiring around 290 emergency medical technicians (EMTs), with a projected expense of $25 million.

She explained that the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) suggested that EMTs would need to be reassigned to pair with supervisors attending emergency calls, potentially reducing the number of ambulances available for service.

The union representing 911 ambulance workers criticized Hochul’s decision, labeling it as inconsiderate and detrimental to worker safety.

“Changing the law would guarantee that supervisors in EMS vehicles operate in pairs, similar to EMTs and paramedics,” commented Oren Barzilay, President of FDNY EMS Local 2507.

“It’s saddening that the murder of Lt. Russo was not evident enough to show the dangers of our job that legislation to protect our members was vetoed.”

The FDNY, which has grappled with increased response times to life-threatening medical 911 calls, confirmed Tuesday that it recommended that Hochul veto the bill.

“Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers is always our top priority, and that means making sure our first responders can reach those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible,” the department said in a statement.

“We are immensely grateful to Governor Hochul for heeding our warning about this bill, which would have inevitably led to fewer ambulances on the streets and longer response times for emergency medical services.”

Ambulances are already staffed by 2 EMTs/paramedics, the FDNY noted.

Supervisors respond to scenes in separate vehicles to provide guidance and oversight to ambulance personnel and do not typically spend significant time working alone at the scene of an emergency, according to the FDNY.

The union leader of paramedics and EMTS was stunned that Hochul cited the $25 million as breaking the bank in an FDNY budget of $2.6 billion and a citywide budget of $116 billion.

“The total lack of investment by City Hall in EMS is an ongoing crisis that is hurting New Yorkers. Governor Hochul’s veto message says that money is more important than the safety of the men and women of the busiest EMS agency in the world,” said Barzilay.

“New York City continually prioritizes other spending initiatives and relegates public safety to the back seat, while EMS members are bloodied, attacked and mugged in countless dangerous situations.”

Russo was fatally stabbed by Peter Zisopoulos in an unhinged attack just a half-block from her Queens stationhouse on Sept. 29, 2022.

An FDNY investigative report released after Russo’s murder recommended assigning another EMS staffer — “an officer’s aide, to establish a safer work environment and enhance situational awareness” during 911 calls.