05/18/2026
Please contact your legislators and ask them to make the changes that the NJSFAC is requesting.
Thank you.
NJ Senate Bill S1421 Sparks Concerns Among Volunteer EMS Squads Across New Jersey
A proposed piece of legislation moving through the New Jersey Senate is drawing significant attention from volunteer first aid and EMS squads statewide, many of whom fear the bill — while intended to strengthen emergency medical coverage — could unintentionally threaten the future of volunteer ambulance services.
New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee is currently reviewing Senate Bill S1421, legislation that would officially designate Basic Life Support (BLS) services as an “essential service” in New Jersey and require every municipality to ensure ambulance coverage for residents.
Supporters of the bill argue the measure is necessary as volunteer EMS agencies continue disappearing across the state amid staffing shortages, burnout, rising call volumes, and increasing certification requirements.
According to materials circulating among EMS organizations, New Jersey has reportedly seen the number of volunteer EMS squads drop from approximately 400 to roughly 190 since 2000. The infographic also claims volunteer agencies still respond to more than 180,000 calls annually statewide.
What Senate Bill S1421 Would Do
Under the proposed legislation, municipalities would be required to provide BLS ambulance coverage through one of several methods, including:
* Contracting with private EMS companies
* Partnering with hospitals
* Utilizing fire-based EMS systems
* Establishing mutual aid agreements
* Working with nonprofit providers or public safety agencies
The bill defines BLS ambulance providers as entities “licensed by the Department of Health.” That language has become the center of concern for many volunteer organizations.
Volunteer EMS leaders argue that many squads operate under the authority of New Jersey’s EMS Council rather than direct Department of Health licensure, potentially creating ambiguity over whether those squads would qualify as recognized providers under the law.
Concerns From Volunteer EMS Agencies
Volunteer squads across the state say they support strengthening EMS systems but want amendments added before the bill advances further.
One of the largest concerns involves staffing standards.
Under current New Jersey Department of Health regulations, ambulances may require two EMTs in certain settings, while many volunteer squads traditionally operate using one EMT paired with a trained driver — a model volunteer agencies say is critical to keeping rigs staffed around the clock.
Critics fear that if only fully DOH-licensed entities qualify under the bill’s language, smaller volunteer squads could face:
* Increased staffing burdens
* Reduced operational flexibility
* Higher financial pressure
* Potential closures in rural and suburban communities
Volunteer EMS advocates warn that losing squads could ultimately increase response times and place additional strain on neighboring systems already facing staffing shortages.
Volunteer Squads Seeking Amendments
According to advocacy materials being circulated online, volunteer EMS agencies are asking lawmakers to:
* Explicitly recognize volunteer EMS agencies within the bill
* Expand the definition of authorized BLS providers
* Preserve staffing flexibility for volunteer operations
* Protect existing mutual aid structures
Supporters of the legislation, however, argue the bill is intended to ensure no municipality in New Jersey is left without reliable ambulance coverage as the state’s volunteer EMS system continues shrinking.
Growing Pressure on New Jersey EMS
The debate surrounding S1421 highlights a larger statewide issue: New Jersey’s EMS system is under increasing pressure.
Becoming a certified EMT in New Jersey can require more than 250 hours of training, while volunteer agencies continue struggling to recruit and retain members. At the same time, call volumes and demand for emergency medical services continue rising statewide.
Whether Senate Bill S1421 ultimately strengthens EMS coverage or creates new challenges for volunteer squads may depend heavily on whether lawmakers amend the bill before it moves forward.
For now, volunteer EMS organizations across New Jersey are urging residents and first responders to contact legislators and ensure their concerns are heard before the legislation advances further.
