EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
NYSAFC EMS Committee
Supraglottic Airway Policy for BLS Agencies Published
Finally, the Bureau of EMS released a policy statement on use of supraglottic airways by BLS agencies. The policy statement (#25-09) can be downloaded here. Agencies that were in the pilot program conducted across the state for the past several years do not need to reapply. Applications and approvals are done through your local REMAC. Interestingly, BLSFR services are not eligible to participate in the program, as they are not under the scope of oversight by the Bureau of EMS.
EMS Equipment Regulations Approved
Equipment requirements for ambulance, ALS first response vehicles, and BLS first response vehicles have been approved and take effect April 26, 2026. Both the old and the new regs are currently published on the Bureau website here. Thanks to the many comments received during the public comment process, the final requirements are reasonable, reflect current best practices, and eliminate some of the useless pieces of equipment we only carried under the crew bench for DOH inspections (like sanitary napkins and padded board splints). Of note, the vehicle construction and equipment requirements covering drive cameras, anti-theft devices, and construction specifications take effect October 22, 2026, and apply to ordered or placed in service after that date.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs