Baltimore IAFF Sounds Alarm on Downgrading ALS Ambulances

July 1, 2025
The proposal to have ambulances staffed by EMTs rather than medics puts patients at greater risk, a Baltimore union officer said.

"Every second counts in a medical emergency. Reducing ALS coverage in Baltimore means fewer units equipped with the tools and training to handle life-threatening incidents like cardiac arrest, stroke, and major trauma. This change puts patients at greater risk."

That's what IAFF Local 734 President Matthew Coster says about the city's plan to downgrade four ALS units to BLS only. 

"This is not about finger-pointing. We believe the fire chief and department leadership are doing the best they can under difficult circumstances. But we owe it to our residents to speak up when decisions are made that could delay care or jeopardize outcomes." he told WJZ. 

He added: "When we're already at strained resources and maxed out on a daily basis, we don't want to go backward. We want to keep moving forward and get ALS units on the street where they need to be."

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.