New Orleans EMS personnel attending to patients during a critical emergency.
New Orleans is currently grappling with a staffing crisis in its Emergency Medical Services, driven by high call volumes and low wages. The EMS workforce has dropped nearly 14% since 2019, leading to increased response times and pressure on emergency responders. Despite calls for increased compensation, funding remains unapproved. Emergency personnel like EMTs Ivy Molloy and Daniel Rokos continue to face daily challenges while serving the community amid these fiscal constraints, underscoring the urgent need for systemic changes.
New Orleans is currently facing a significant staffing crisis within its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) due to a combination of high call volumes and low wages. The issues have led to concerning turnover rates and an increasing strain on emergency responders.
On May 2, 2025, EMTs Ivy Molloy and Daniel Rokos were on the scene of a serious incident where a police officer was injured in a Walmart parking lot on Tchoupitoulas Street. The officer had sustained injuries while performing her duties, having revived an overdose patient who then fled, causing her to be crushed between two vehicles. Fortunately, she was transported to University Medical Center in stable condition. Incidents like these underscore the growing pressures faced by EMS personnel, who witness traumatic events regularly.
New Orleans EMS employs over 150 workers who are tasked with providing emergency healthcare and transport. However, the agency has reported a nearly 14% drop in staffing levels since 2019, driven by budget cuts and financial constraints. Many EMS employees are leaving the field, seeking better-paying opportunities in less demanding environments. Currently, paramedics earn approximately $27 per hour, while EMTs earn about $20, which many staff members note has not kept pace with the increasing cost of living in the area.
The crisis is exacerbated by the fact that EMS receives an average of one call every 10 minutes, and in recent years, has managed over 70,000 calls annually. Criticism has mounted regarding long wait times for emergency responses, highlighting the agency’s challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels. Officials within New Orleans EMS indicate that they require at least 64 additional employees to ensure sufficient response capabilities.
Despite ongoing requests for increased employee compensation from the Mayor’s Office and City Council, funding for higher wages remains unapproved. Previous legislative proposals aimed at securing state funding for EMS workers did not pass, leaving the agency in a precarious situation as it struggles to recruit and retain staff under current financial constraints.
In attempts to aid patients during medical emergencies, Molloy and Rokos employ strategies such as breathing exercises and verbal reassurance. They noted that many members of the public do not fully appreciate the essential role of EMS until they find themselves in need. Each day brings new challenges for these emergency responders, who dedicate their careers to helping others despite the psychological toll of their work.
As discussions about improving EMS funding continue within local government, there is a sense of hope among EMS personnel. The recent shift in public engagement at budget meetings could pave the way for increased financial support for emergency responders and their vital services. However, tangible outcomes remain to be seen, and both Molloy and Rokos continue to face the daily rigors of their profession, driven by a commitment to providing care during the community’s most critical moments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further spotlighted the national shortage of EMTs and has inspired many, including Molloy and Rokos, to enter the field, despite the sacrifices required. They view their work as meaningful and rewarding, elevating their commitment to a career that impacts lives directly.
In summary, the New Orleans EMS agency stands at a crossroads, burdened by fiscal challenges and high turnover rates while striving to meet the increasing demand for emergency medical services in the community. As the situation develops, the need for systemic changes in funding and support for EMS personnel becomes increasingly urgent.
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