Solving the EMS Crisis Through Local Action
In this TribLive op-ed, Dwight Boddorf addresses one of the most urgent but overlooked challenges facing communities: the collapse of emergency medical services.
The article explains that EMS is legally required but structurally underfunded, relying heavily on transport-based insurance reimbursement that often fails to cover the true cost of readiness and response. As call volumes rise and staffing declines, many communities are left with unstable or failing EMS systems.
Rather than waiting for state or federal solutions, the piece outlines a practical path forward through the creation of a regional EMS authority. This model establishes a stable, predictable funding mechanism focused on readiness—ensuring that trained personnel, equipment, and response capability are always available when needed.
At its core, the article argues that EMS should be treated as essential infrastructure, just like police, fire, water, or electric and funded accordingly at the local level.
Read the full article here:
https://triblive.com/opinion/dwight-boddorf-c/