Town of Easton: Update On EMS Staffing

**News Release Submitted by Town of Easton**

Dec. 10, 2024

In the last several months, the Easton Emergency Medical Service has worked diligently, with the town’s support, to decrease the need for outside assistance in responding to medical calls in Easton. This “Mutual aid” was the subject of a presentation at the last Board of Selectmen meeting. I urge you to watch the meeting video so you can understand why mutual aid exists and why all towns rely on it.

The Easton EMS has worked to increase its ranks by actively recruiting, reconstituting a live-in program (where an emergency medical technician college student agrees to provide 5-night shifts covered per week in exchange for a place to live), and reaching an agreement with Sacred Heart, providing opportunities for their EMT’s to work in Easton. The town has also funded additional shifts, beyond the longstanding weekday daytime coverage.

Going forward, all shifts will be covered by an in-house paid or volunteer staff, except for 3:00 PM until 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday. EMS is confident they can cover most of the weekend shifts with either in-station EMTs or home responders living less than 7 minutes from the station. Should any of that time be uncovered, I have authorized the Chief of EMS to pay staff for that coverage. The police will continue to respond as first responders, with the fire department providing supplemental responses, as both have done in the past.

This success is indicative of the tremendous hard work and dedication of our EMTs. As a First Selectman, I am extremely proud of what they have accomplished and the great work they do every day to take care of us. As a town, we owe them, and all the other volunteers, emergency workers, and board and commission members who do the difficult jobs of serving Easton, a great debt of gratitude.