April 5, 2025 – Staff Report
In response to a growing need for emergency medical coverage in rural areas, Steuben County is embarking on a significant effort to expand its EMS workforce.
County officials have announced plans to hire 24 emergency medical technicians and paramedics—both full-time and part-time—to ensure round-the-clock response capabilities. These professionals will be based out of strategically chosen locations in Hammondsport and Woodhull, areas currently grappling with reduced volunteer responder availability.
The initiative follows a troubling trend of dwindling volunteer numbers across the region, a situation made more urgent by the recent disbanding of the Hammondsport ambulance corps. The now-defunct service has turned over its remaining resources to the county, further highlighting the need for a more stable and professional emergency response system.
With $1.1 million allocated from the current county budget, the effort is designed to expand emergency services without impacting other departments financially. Recruitment is expected to begin in early summer, with officials aiming to have the new hires in place to bolster emergency response times and improve access to urgent care, particularly in underserved rural communities.
