In the heart of Connecticut, emergency medical services (EMS) are facing significant challenges. Despite these pressures, dedicated paramedicsemergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders continue to serve their communities around the clock. ProPublica and The Connecticut Mirror, two nonprofit newsrooms, are now examining the state’s EMS landscape to understand what it takes to provide lifesaving care across Connecticut.
While data on ambulance response times provides some insight, it doesn’t paint a complete picture of the struggles faced by those on the front lines. To gain a deeper understanding, the investigative team is reaching out to those who work or volunteer in Connecticut’s EMS, as well as individuals who have called 911 for medical emergencies.
Seeking firsthand experiences from EMS providers
The investigation aims to gather experiences from those working in Connecticut’s ambulance corpsfire departmentslaw enforcement agencies and emergency rooms. The team is interested in learning about changes in EMS since providers began their careers, challenges in hiring and retaining staff, and the resources needed to perform this vital work effectively.
Understanding the complexities of the EMS system is crucial. This includes exploring training limitationsworker housing needs and the impact of budget cuts on daily operations. The insights gathered will help guide the reporting and shed light on the state of EMS in Connecticut.
Those working or volunteering in Connecticut’s EMS are encouraged to share their experiences through a brief online form. Reporters Jenna Carlesso from The Connecticut Mirror and Cassandra Garibay from ProPublica will review each response and may follow up for further information. Questions or concerns can be directed to the team via email at ctemergency@.
The patient perspective: sharing 911 experiences
The investigation also seeks to understand the patient experience. Individuals who have called 911 for a medical emergency in Connecticut are invited to share their stories. The team is particularly interested in learning about wait times for emergency care and the long-term impact of delayed care on individuals’ lives.
While data shows that some towns have experienced wait times of up to 20 minutes for an ambulance, the numbers don’t capture the full story. Hearing from those who have sought emergency care will provide valuable context and help illustrate the realities of the strained EMS system across the state.
Patients can share their experiences through the same online form or by emailing the investigative team. Additionally, those who know someone involved in Connecticut’s EMS are encouraged to share the form with them, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the state’s emergency medical services.
Meet the investigative team
Leading the charge for The Connecticut Mirror is Jenna Carlesso, a reporter on the investigative desk. Carlesso’s previous work has prompted significant changes in elder care policy, exposed lapses in long-term care facilities, and investigated the impact of cyberattacks on hospitals. Her reporting has sparked reforms in healthcare and government oversight, erased medical debt for Connecticut residents, and led to indictments in a major state project. Carlesso’s work has been recognized by the National Press Foundation and the Association of Health Care Journalists.
Joining Carlesso is Cassandra Garibay from ProPublica. Together, they aim to uncover the truths behind Connecticut’s emergency medical services and bring attention to the challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
