Lewis County Poised to Improve EMS Following CGR Study
When an emergency strikes, every second counts. In 2025, rural Lewis County residents called for an ambulance 3,800 times. While a dedicated mix of career and volunteer EMS responders gave it their all, systemic gaps left crews overworked and response times delayed.
The community deserved better. That’s why Lewis County partnered with CGR to thoroughly evaluate and recommend improvements to the emergency response framework. On May 26, CGR unveiled a powerful roadmap to revitalize the EMS operations, featuring:
- A New Supplemental Ambulance Service: Anchored at Lewis County General Hospital to conduct interfacility transports and inject vital backup resources into the 911 system.
- Dedicated Leadership & Growth: Hiring a full-time EMS coordinator and enhancing local EMS education.
- Optimized Dispatch: Evaluating the 911 call-taking system to ensure better resource deployment.
Backed by a smart, sustainable funding strategy, this plan is the blueprint for a safer, faster, and more resilient Lewis County.
Paul Bishop, Director of Local Government and Public Safety, presented the project findings to the County Legislature’s General Services Committee and a meeting of EMS stakeholders on May 26.
View local media coverage at:
- Lewis County Releases Results of Comprehensive EMS Sustainability Study including a video of the full presentation.
- Lewis County weighs options to address EMS gaps
June 9, 2026 CGR Briefs Edition