NYC Council Pushes 13-Minute Ambulance Tracking Alerts as Response Times Jump 16%
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 23
NYC Council Pushes 13-Minute Ambulance Tracking Alerts as Response Times Jump 16%
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 23
Summary
Joann Ariola has submitted a revised bill that would send personalized, real-time ambulance text updates to 911 callers, replacing her earlier proposal for broad overload alerts.
The push follows a sharp deterioration in service: ambulances now take 13 minutes on average to reach life-threatening emergencies, up nearly 16% from fiscal 2025 to 2026 and 41.2% from a decade ago.
Ariola and Democratic Council member Harvey Epstein say live tracking could help some callers choose a taxi or other transport if waits stretch too long, easing pressure on the EMS system.
FDNY officials were described as more receptive to specific text alerts, and the department said it is exploring the option while trying to improve coordination, efficiency and unit turnaround.
The broader problem remains staffing and pay: about 4,300 EMTs and paramedics have left since 2019, and unions say parity with firefighters—estimated by the comptroller to cost $184 million annually—is needed to cut response times.