A recent meeting of the New York City Council rekindled hope among many New Yorkers and EMS professionals that the creation of an independent New York City EMS Department might finally become a reality [1]. In 2022 alone, EMS professionals in New York City experienced 363 workplace assaults or violent threats [4]. New York City EMS professionals could achieve similar results. An independent New York City EMS Department would not be a luxury. The question is no longer whether New York City can afford an independent EMS Department, but whether it can afford not to build one.

Source: New York Times December 31, 2025 16:59 UTC