The rumor mill has been swirling for several months about the impending bankruptcy of one of the country’s largest EMS providers. A recent strike in New York and recent uncertainty of a northern California unit are just two harbingers of an impending disaster for EMS workers.
Given the horrid reimbursement conditions that have defined EMS operations for decades, I am not sure why anyone would view “traditional” EMS as a profitable venture. The money is in inter facility transport, not in 911 response.
To try to make a go at it on the cheap is a typical response, and one that puts the community, workers and shareholders at risk. It’s not likely that jobs will be lost, but it’s clearly possible that 10,000 EMS providers stand to lose benefits, retirement, and pay.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this will be an isolated incident. With little reimbursement, high liability and an industry in transition, conditions are ripe for other dramatic failures. As we say in the business, Stand by for further.
