AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, May 21, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Waldo, joined legislators, first responders, and members of the public to commemorate EMS Week at the Maine EMS Memorial and Education Site. As former Senate co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services in Maine, Sen. Curry delivered remarks recognizing the essential role EMS professionals play across the state and underscored the urgent need to strengthen the system that supports them. 

“Maine’s EMS professionals are there for us in our worst moments, often in quiet, rural corners of our state,” said Sen. Curry, in a news release. “They deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve real investments in the system they hold up every day. Our EMS crews are resourceful, resilient andabsolutely vital — but they’re running on empty. The bills we are working on this session are a step toward building a sustainable system that matches the dedication of the people who keep our communities safe.”

Hosted by the Friends of EMS for Maine, the annual observance included tributes to EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty, a salute to those currently serving and remarks from lawmakers and future EMS professionals. The event was held at the EMS Memorial and Education Site on the grounds of the State House, a one-of-a-kind public education and remembrance space.

Sen. Curry has introduced six pieces of legislation this session aimed at strengthening Maine’s emergency medical services, including efforts to increase funding, retain staff and improve service delivery. Highlights include:

• LD 35 — An Act to Strengthen Local Emergency Medical Services by Increasing the MaineCare Reimbursement Rate for Ambulance Services: This bill, which advanced from the Health and Human Services Committee with bipartisan support, would help close the funding gap in EMS by establishing an ambulance assessment fee for non-municipal providers to draw down federal matching funds and reinvest them into Maine’s EMS system.

• LD 786 — An Act to Promote Public Safety and Retain Essential First Responders: Unanimously approved by the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, this bill would convert the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for volunteer EMS and fire personnel into a non-lapsing fund. The change would help build long-term program stability, reduce the need for annual appropriations and better honor the service of rural volunteers who are often the first to respond in emergencies.

• LD 841 — Resolve, to Study the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services to and Ferry Service Effects on Island Communities in the State: Unanimously approved in committee, this bill would establish a working group to examine how EMS is delivered to island communities and assess the impact of proposed ferry service changes. The bill responds to concerns that shifting overnight ferry berthing to the mainland could delay emergency transport for island residents and aims to ensure timely access to care regardless of geography.

• LD 1530 – An Act to Improve the Sustainability of Emergency Medical Services in Maine: This bill, which has been carried over to the next legislative session for further consideration, seeks to ensure fair reimbursement for non-transporting EMS units and expand support for community paramedicine programs. These services are vital in rural and underserved areas and often go unreimbursed despite providing on-scene care and preventative health support, the release said. LD 1530 addresses this gap and reflects key findings from the Blue Ribbon Commission on EMS about modernizing Maine’s reimbursement models. 

Each of the proposals builds upon the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission and the voices of first responders, town officials and public health experts from across the state.

Visitfriendsofemsformaine.org for more information about the Friends of EMS for Maine and the EMS Memorial and Education Site.

Sen. Curry is serving his third term in the Maine Senate, representing all of Waldo County. He serves as the Senate Chair of the Housing and Economic Development Committee and sits on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.