BREWSTER, N.Y. — The Brewster Fire Department has launched a new paramedic program after receiving approval from the Department of Health and the regional EMS council, capping off a months-long effort.
As the busiest department in the county, Brewster responded to 3,000 calls in 2024, with over 2,200 of them for medical emergencies. First Assistant Chief Steven Miller said the new paramedic program builds on their existing EMS division, which includes two basic life support ambulances during the day and one available around the clock, Mid Hudson News reported.
“While over 95 percent of the calls for EMS received were covered by Brewster EMS units, we felt an integral component was still missing — the ability to provide our own advanced life support care to our patients,” Miller said.
The Brewster EMS Paramedic Program provides around-the-clock coverage. During the day, the department is testing a dual paramedic program, where two paramedics respond together in the same vehicle. When one is needed to accompany a patient to the hospital with the EMTs, the other remains available to respond to additional calls in the area.
Putnam Commissioner of Emergency Services Robert Lipton praised the fire service for its proactive approach. He noted that the Empress paramedic unit previously stationed at Brewster Fire Department headquarters has been moved to the Patterson Fire Department.
Although Brewster’s new paramedic unit will primarily serve the Town of Southeast and the Village of Brewster, it will also be available to assist neighboring communities through Putnam’s mutual aid program.
