Today, the New Hampshire Ambulance Association released a new report highlighting the dire EMS and medical transport situation and needs in New Hampshire. The survey stresses the critical situation throughout the state and makes recommendations to prevent it from worsening.
“We are in a true state of emergency in New Hampshire and the health and safety of residents is at risk,” said Justin Van Etten, executive director of New Hampshire Ambulance Association. “EMS is a critical part of the health care system, and requires an in-depth review of systems and reimbursement rates if it is going to be able to continue providing necessary care to residents across the state.”
The survey conducted in April 2023 included 147 respondents consisting of experts, and practitioners in the Fire departments, municipal and private EMS agencies, and hospitals in New Hampshire to share their experiences with EMS and ambulance services in the state. Regrettably the results determined the grim reality of the EMS situation with 70% of respondents ultimately agreeing New Hampshire EMS needs urgent attention.
“As EMS providers, it is our job to care for those that need us, when they need us most. That means staffing 24 hours a day or transporting a patient 60 miles into another state to find the critical care facility they need,” said Nathan Borland, paramedic and CEO of 45th Parallel EMS. “To continue doing what we are doing, we need to have higher reimbursement, which will garner more EMS providers, and lead to better, faster care for NH residents.”
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The heightened burnout across the medical profession post pandemic continues to be felt, resulting in unworkable dynamics for employees within the state. The high turnover rates and a lack of financial and professional resources continue to put strain on EMTs. Among those most affected, EMS workers have been hit particularly hard, leading to labor shortages and further company disruption.
Two-thirds of the survey respondents said that low reimbursement rates by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies do not cover the costs incurred by EMS providers across the state.
“From staffing shortages to low reimbursement rates, EMS in New Hampshire is in danger,” said Chris Stawasz, regional director for American Medical Response. “New Hampshire is unique, but it
has a pivotal opportunity to learn from other states across the country that are making changes to support EMS and make sure that residents are the priority.”
Unfortunately, until solutions are applied, New Hampshire’s EMS and ambulance services will only worsen. Of the interviewed EMS stakeholders, the recommended solutions for fixing the current challenges were practicable and possible. Some solutions suggested included:
- Increases to private insurance and Medicaid reimbursement rates
- Establishing regional EMS networks to share the burdens of cost and workloads.
- Establishing EMS as an essential service to be compensated for readiness.
The New Hampshire Ambulance Association provides data transparency to highlight the risk factors associated with the increased cost of ambulance services and its residual effects on the EMS system. By working with lawmakers and the New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner, the New Hampshire Ambulance Association is dedicated to serving its patients and community.
