What happened: The city of Walla Walla, Washington, has approved an increase in ambulance billing rates and a modest tax hike to fund long-overdue EMS staffing expansions. With emergency calls rising by 55% over the past two decades, the city has struggled to keep up with demand. Efforts to secure federal funding through FEMA were unsuccessful, prompting officials to seek a local funding solution.
Starting in 2025, Walla Walla residents will pay an additional $3 per month (or $36 annually), gradually increasing to $14 per month by 2029. The revenue will be used to hire three additional EMTs or paramedics, ensuring better coverage and response times.
| More: Wash. officials increase ambulance billing rate to hire new EMTs, paramedics
Highlights
Watch as Ed Bauter, MBA, MHL, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C; and Daniel Schwester, MICP, highlight the significance of this development, including:
- The funding gap and rising call volume. Despite a 55% increase in EMS demand, Walla Walla’s staffing levels have remained unchanged for over 20 years, putting strain on first responders.
- The community’s investment in EMS. With federal funding unavailable, the city opted for a minor tax increase, emphasizing that emergency services require sustainable financial support.
- The real cost of EMS services. The increase equates to less than the cost of a fast-food meal, yet it provides essential staffing and better response times – offering a small price for a critical service.
The path forward
Walla Walla’s approach reflects a broader challenge in EMS funding – balancing public safety needs with financial realities. As communities nationwide face increasing call volumes and resource shortages, sustainable funding solutions like this one may become more common. While no one likes higher taxes, ensuring reliable EMS services requires financial commitment. The key takeaway? Emergency medical care is essential, and communities must decide how to support it effectively.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
