SPECTRUM NEWS NY1
BY Nia Clark | Apr. 20, 2026
The cost of a normal or a “basic life support” ambulance ride would increase approximately 29% from $1,385 to $1,793, while “treatment in place” service would jump approximately 42% from $630 to $896.
Fees for Advanced Life Support Service for levels 1 and 2 would increase by more than 30%. Level 1 would increase from $1,680 to $2,196. Level 2 would increase from $1,692 to $2,212.
Fees for Advanced Life Support Ambulance Treatment in Place, or Facilitation of Treatment in Place, would increase by more than 4% from $1,050 to $1,098.
“We’re going from $1,300 to $1,700, which most people can’t afford, even at the current rate,” said Oren Barzilay, the president of EMS Local 2507, which represents EMTs and paramedics.
The FDNY blames increased operating costs and says it also aims to reduce the burden on taxpayers by raising the price of EMS ambulance treatment and transport services.
“The rates are based on the total cost of operating EMS, including payroll costs and supplies, as well as support and capital costs,” an FDNY spokesperson said in a statement to NY1.
Barzilay is pushing back, particularly on any suggestion that a price increase for FDNY ambulance services would be used to pay EMTs.
He said his members haven’t had a contract for several years and negotiations with the FDNY have been stalled for months, in part, over wage increases for EMTs. EMS unions have been calling for an increase in pay, saying some workers are paid so little they can’t afford to pay rent.
“Well, they have to have a reason to give the public as to why they’re increasing the rates,” Barzilay said. “That it’s going to somehow result in a contract, but that’s not necessarily true. I haven’t seen any discussion about increasing the rates that will reflect our members’ wages.”
The labor contract for EMS workers has expired, and EMS unions hope pay increases will be included in a new contract.
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