Petition for improved ambulance services in Southeastern Kentucky.
To the Honorable Members of the Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Andy Beshear,
The undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Kentucky request immediate and decisive action to address the critical deficiencies in the state's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
Kentucky's EMS system is in crisis, suffering from severe staffing shortages, low compensation, and abysmal reimbursement rates. Ambulance services are struggling to stay operational, leading to longer response times, which jeopardizes the health and safety of communities across the state.
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The Problem
Staffing Shortages: Kentucky loses more paramedics than it gains annually, facing a 21% attrition rate among EMTs. A significant number of certified EMTs do not actively work in EMS, further exacerbating the shortage of active responders.
Poor Compensation and Reimbursement:Low wages and inadequate reimbursement rates for ambulance runs force EMS services to operate at a loss, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Limited Access to Education: Providers in rural areas often face long commutes to access necessary training, further contributing to staffing challenges.
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The Impact
These deficiencies directly threaten the well-being of Kentucky residents. Delays in emergency response can have devastating consequences for individuals and families in need of immediate medical attention. The collapse of ambulance services, particularly in rural areas without the urban tax base to shoulder costs, is a real and imminent threat, according to Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services Chairman John Holder.
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Our Request
The Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Andy Beshear are urged to implement the following solutions:
Increase funding for ambulance services:Funding is critical to cover the costs of ambulance runs, especially in rural areas, and to increase wages to attract and retain skilled personnel.
Improve reimbursement rates: Adjust Medicaid and other reimbursement rates for ambulance services to ensure they at least break even on ambulance runs.
Invest in education and training: Funding scholarships and establishing additional training sites, particularly in underserved areas, to enhance access to EMS education.
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Call to action
The undersigned believe that strong and accessible ambulance services are a cornerstone of public health and safety. The Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Andy Beshear are urged to recognize EMS as an essential service and to take the necessary steps to strengthen the state's EMS system.
Signatures on this petition signify a commitment to ensuring that every Kentuckian receives timely and effective emergency medical care when they need it most.
Sign this petition today!