WHEREAS:

AFSCME supports investing in both public and private ambulance services to ensure all Americans have access to ambulances that are adequately staffed and available to respond in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS:

EMS provides a vital and lifesaving public service to everyone who calls 911, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation or their ability to pay; and

WHEREAS:

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics have long suffered from low wages, poor working conditions, long hours, understaffing, poor benefits and poor access to mental health care; and

WHEREAS:

When state, local and federal governments invest in EMS, communities will benefit from having access to highly skilled and experienced EMTs and paramedics who will respond to their worst moments when seconds count.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

AFSCME advocates for an increase in funding for both public and private ambulance services. Funding should be sufficient to ensure adequate staffing levels, fair compensation and support for EMTs and paramedics; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME supports increasing Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates for both public and private ambulance services contingent on appropriate financial guardrails to ensure private owners of emergency medical services providers are not enriched.

SUBMITTED BY:
Brian Calderwood, Delegate
UEMSW/AFSCME Local 4911
California