Nearly two-thirds of 911 calls in Ulster County are life-or-death emergencies, prompting a $5 million plan to improve response times and support local EMS agencies.

County Executive Jen Metzger announced the funding, which targets nonprofit EMS providers, municipal contracts with commercial services, and grants for new equipment. "We have to invest in enhancing the EMS system," Metzger said. "This is absolutely essential for public health and safety."

The county also aims to attract more EMS workers with a work-study stipend.