Effective July 1, 2025, Sand Lake Ambulance has entered into a shared-services agreement with the Town of Poestenkill to provide dedicated emergency medical services to both communities. This agreement marks a significant step forward in building a more resilient, efficient, and accountable EMS system for our region.
For years, residents in Poestenkill have experienced gaps in ambulance coverage, resulting in delayed response times during critical emergencies. This new agreement, developed in collaboration with Poestenkill leadership, directly addresses that concern by introducing a more reliable, structured model for pre-hospital care.
Through this partnership, Sand Lake Ambulance now serves as the primary EMS provider for both Sand Lake and Poestenkill. The operational model includes one paramedic ambulance staffed around the clock, with a second paramedic-staffed ambulance added during peak hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day. By expanding available units during high-demand times, the system improves response times and reinforces the stability of mutual aid efforts with neighboring agencies in North Greenbush and East Greenbush.
Importantly, this agreement was developed with financial sustainability in mind. Poestenkill will contribute $273,450 in the first year of service, which covers the cost of staffing, equipment, administration, and implementation. Sand Lake Ambulance retains all billing revenue, which helps offset operating expenses. For Sand Lake residents, there will be no increase in local taxes or service fees. For Poestenkill households, the cost of this coverage is modest—less than half of what most families pay annually for waste collection services.
This shared-services model not only improves ambulance availability and reliability, but also establishes a foundation for long-term operational sustainability. Staffing is stabilized through centralized scheduling and training, and equipment procurement benefits from economies of scale. The agreement also supports improved clinical outcomes by ensuring consistent access to advanced life support (ALS) care from state-certified paramedics and EMTs.
Oversight and accountability are central to the success of this initiative. Sand Lake Ambulance, an independent not-for-profit agency, is governed by a Board of Directors in accordance with New York State law. Quarterly performance reports will be submitted to both town supervisors, outlining key metrics such as response times, staffing levels, patient care outcomes, and quality assurance efforts. These measures ensure ongoing transparency and responsiveness to both communities.
The agreement also includes administrative support for the Municipal Certificate of Need (MuniCON) process and formalized mutual aid agreements. As a result, the transition to a shared-service model has been implemented with strategic planning, including equipment acquisition, staff onboarding, and phased rollout of service enhancements.
Community engagement remains an essential part of this effort. In addition to emergency response, Sand Lake Ambulance is committed to offering public education opportunities such as CPR and first aid training, health screenings, and continued outreach via mailers, digital platforms, and public meetings. These programs serve to build trust, strengthen local readiness, and reinforce the role of EMS as a partner in community well-being.
This partnership reflects a broader challenge facing many rural EMS agencies throughout New York and beyond: how to deliver high-quality emergency care with limited personnel and increasing demands. By working together, the Towns of Sand Lake and Poestenkill are providing a practical and forward-thinking model for shared EMS coverage that prioritizes service quality, financial responsibility, and public trust.
We are deeply grateful to Poestenkill Town Supervisor Tom Russell, the Poestenkill Town Board, and Sand Lake Supervisor Stephen Clemens for their leadership in making this agreement possible. Their commitment to strengthening emergency services in our region is both commendable and essential.
At Sand Lake Ambulance, we remain dedicated to serving with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Our mission is simple but vital: to respond quickly, to care deeply, and to work with others to ensure the highest level of emergency medical care for every resident we serve.
As we begin this new chapter, we are confident that collaboration will continue to be the key to progress. Because when it comes to saving lives, cooperation is not just a strategy—it is a responsibility.