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New Paltz Rescue's Chief Goodnow Attends

 “EMS on the Hill Day” in Washington D.C.

New Paltz, NY (5/6/2025) - In April 2025, Emergency Medical Services agencies from all over the country were represented at “EMS on the Hill Day.”  Hundreds of EMS officers and professionals gathered in Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress, the Senate, the Assembly, and key legislative committees to advocate on behalf of all EMS agencies nationwide.

New Paltz Rescue Squad Chief, Matthew Goodnow, was among the 267 EMS representatives from 44 U.S. states who attended the event.  “It was inspiring to be part of such an impactful movement with a diverse group of EMS leaders from across the country, all advocating for a common goal,” said Chief Goodnow. “The entire Emergency Medical Services industry across the nation is struggling to maintain financial stability and sustainability.  We need legislative support at the highest level in order to begin to effect change” 

According to an article published by EMS1, There is an urgent need to address funding, career pathways and wellness support in EMS. The EMS system, a cornerstone of public health and safety, is facing an unprecedented crisis as underfunded departments struggle to provide essential care. Recent findings reveal that systemic underfunding and lack of federal and state support have created unsustainable working conditions for paramedics and emergency care providers. The alarming trend is compounded by a growing shortage of EMS professionals, leaving communities vulnerable to delayed emergency responses and inadequate care. The EMS workforce crisis is not only affecting patient outcomes, but is also taking a significant toll on those who dedicate their careers to saving lives.

At a recent press conference, hosted by New Paltz Rescue Squad, Ulster County Executive, Jen Metzger, and other local government and first responder officials announced a plan to invest nearly $5million into the County’s EMS  infrastructure.  Chief Goodnow was a key presenter, citing inadequate government funding, reimbursement, and support as a main contributor to the struggles his and other EMS agencies have been facing in recent years and will continue to face in coming years without significant change. “We are fortunate to live and operate in a Town that truly values its constituents and their health and wellbeing by supporting and investing in what you would think would be considered ‘essential’ to all State and local community leaders, emergency medical response,”  Chief Goodnow stated, “but even with the full support of our local government and community leaders, we are struggling to continue to meet the demands of our growing community,” he continued.  New Paltz Rescue Squad, along with 4 other main ALS (Advanced Life Support) agencies will be an integral part of the new Ulster County plan to save EMS in their area.  New Paltz Rescue Squad boasts a 100% in district call response rate which they attribute to a strong leadership team and the tireless efforts of their dedicated staff and volunteers.  Chief Goodnow sang the praises of his providers by saying, “No matter the time, the weather, the circumstances, when someone calls 911 in our area, they expect and deserve to be met by a competent, compassionate provider in a timely fashion. My providers are tired, they are worn out, but they answer the call.” 

In New York State, essential services are defined as those deemed crucial for public health, safety, and the continued operation of essential businesses and government.  These “essential services” are able to secure exclusive state and federal government funding and subsidies for staffing, supplies, education & training, and other necessary elements of sustaining their operations.  Police and Fire Departments fall under this category, but while a handful of other states have designated EMS as an essential service, Emergency Medical Services continues the fight to be added to this list in the state of New York.  

About New Paltz Rescue Squad Inc.

The New Paltz Rescue Squad is a non profit organization dedicated to providing state-of-the-art, pre-hospital care, support, and education for our community. Our Rescue Squad has been committed to excellence since its founding in April of 1973. Since then, we have been a leading provider of Emergency Medical Services in the Hudson Valley while remaining, always, a community-based organization. What separates Rescue from other ambulance services has been our enduring culture of integrity, empathy, respect and patient advocacy.

For more information, visit us at www.NewPaltzRescue.org