Honorable But Broken: The Fight To Make EMS An Essential Service
EMS Leadership Academy, led by Founder Robbie MacCue, is calling attention to a critical crisis threatening communities across the United States. With Emergency Medical Services (EMS) grappling with chronic underfunding and an increasingly complex billing landscape dictated by insurance companies, the essential lifeline that millions depend on is at risk of collapse.
The Academy, committed to empowering EMS professionals through leadership training, resources, and advocacy, is amplifying the alarm through the documentary Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis. Available to stream for free on Tubi or rent on Amazon, the film lays bare the challenges faced by EMS agencies nationwide and urges immediate political and public action to prevent further degradation of emergency services.
EMS: An Overlooked Essential Service
Despite being a cornerstone of public health and safety, EMS is not federally recognized as an essential service in most states. Only 11 states currently classify EMS as essential, leaving the vast majority of agencies without the secure funding streams necessary to operate sustainably. This lack of designation relegates EMS to competing for resources within limited municipal budgets, often losing out to other public services.
The consequences are severe. Communities face slower response times, closures of local EMS services, and an exodus of trained professionals due to low wages and high burnout rates. These systemic issues undermine the ability of EMS agencies to meet growing demand, especially in rural and underserved areas where alternatives are scarce.
Legislative Efforts Fall Short
Recent legislative attempts to address the crisis have highlighted the urgent need for action but have fallen short of providing solutions. In New York State, legislation to declare EMS an essential service passed the Senate in 2024 but ultimately failed in the Assembly. Without this critical designation, EMS agencies remain locked out of guaranteed funding, forcing them to rely on unreliable reimbursement models and community fundraising.
Robbie MacCue emphasizes the gravity of the situation: “This is not just an operational issue for EMS agencies—it’s a public safety crisis. Communities across the country are at risk of losing their emergency services entirely unless there is meaningful legislative support to fund and prioritize EMS.”
The Burden of Underfunding
EMS agencies operate in a paradox: they are indispensable during emergencies but are treated as ancillary when it comes to funding. Insurance reimbursement practices exacerbate the problem by introducing delays, disputes, and inadequate payments that leave EMS organizations struggling to cover basic operational costs.
The strain is compounded by rising operational expenses, from medical equipment to fuel costs, and a workforce that is stretched thin. The lack of investment in EMS infrastructure and personnel training further diminishes the capacity of agencies to deliver timely, high-quality care.
Raising Awareness Through Film
The documentary Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis aims to spark a national conversation about the future of EMS. By showcasing the personal stories of EMS professionals, agency leaders, and patients, the film underscores the human toll of systemic neglect and the urgent need for reform.
“It’s not just about raising awareness,” MacCue explains. “It’s about mobilizing communities and legislators to take action before it’s too late. EMS professionals work tirelessly to save lives, but they can’t save a system that’s been broken by decades of neglect.”
A Call to Action
The EMS Leadership Academy urges citizens to engage with this issue by watching the documentary and advocating for policy changes at the state and federal levels. The Academy also provides tools and resources for EMS leaders to strengthen their organizations and build coalitions for change.
The stakes are clear: without immediate intervention, communities will face dire consequences, from delayed emergency response to outright service failures. By recognizing EMS as an essential service and securing sustainable funding, policymakers can help ensure that no one is left without critical care in their time of need.
To learn more about the EMS Leadership Academy and its mission, visit emsleadershipacademy.com or emsleadershipsummit.com.
Watch Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis on Tubi or rent it on Amazon.
For additional resources and training opportunities, follow the EMS Leadership Academy on LinkedIn.
