In 2026, New York City ambulance response times increased by 41% while life‑threatening emergency calls grew, according to a report from the city comptroller’s office.
The report attributes the longer waits to maintenance problems with ambulances and low wages for EMTs and paramedics, which have contributed to staffing challenges.
Emergency medical services providers and frontline EMTs and paramedics are confronting rising call volume alongside equipment issues, as detailed in the comptroller’s findings.