Catholic Health receives NYS approval to become only hospital-based EMS course sponsor in Erie & Niagara counties

Catholic Health press release

Catholic Health has received official approval from the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) to become a New York state EMS course sponsor, making it the only hospital-based EMS course sponsor in Erie and Niagara counties - and the only healthcare system in Western New York to hold this designation.

The sponsorship authorizes Catholic Health's EMS team to provide certified emergency medical training programs, including emergency medical technician (EMT) education, through its operational agreement with NYSDOH. Courses will be conducted in the EMS simulation labs and classrooms at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, supporting EMS agencies, aspiring providers, and first responders throughout Western New York.

"This designation is about supporting our EMS partners and helping address the shortage of providers across Western New York and New York state," said Emily James, system manager of EMS for Catholic Health. "By training the next generation of EMS professionals, we can help bring more providers into the field and ensure they are prepared for the complex situations first responders face every day. This is the latest example of Catholic Health's commitment to strengthening EMS across our region."

While several organizations across Erie and Niagara counties currently offer EMS training, Catholic Health is now the region's only hospital-based sponsor, providing students with direct access to a healthcare system and its clinical expertise.

The program combines classroom instruction with immersive simulation-based learning designed to prepare students for real-world emergencies. Through realistic patient-care scenarios, participants will develop the critical skills, clinical judgment, and muscle memory essential for success in the field. The training is designed to enhance pre-hospital care, strengthen coordination between EMS providers and hospital teams, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The approval follows months of planning and preparation that began in December 2025. During its site evaluation, NYSDOH reviewers highlighted several innovative aspects of the program, including the transformation of a former surgical wing into dedicated, high-fidelity simulations labs; and the incorporation of a fully equipped ambulance allowing students to experience the entire continuum of care, from dispatch and patient assessment to transport and emergency department handoff.

“Your thoughtful planning has created a safe, immersive and dynamic training environment that will serve students well," the NYSDOH wrote. "This program fills a vital need across the northern and eastern regions of the county, and its impact will be felt directly by the communities and services relying on well-trained EMS professionals."

As Catholic Health prepares to launch its inaugural EMT courses, the organization remains committed to advancing EMS education, supporting local EMS partners, and strengthening emergency care throughout Western New York.

More about Catholic Health: With roots dating back to Buffalo's first hospital in 1848, Catholic Health provides high-quality healthcare to people throughout Western New York through a comprehensive network of hospitals, subacute and long-term care facilities, ambulatory care centers, physician practices, and home care agencies. The $1.5 billion healthcare system includes Kenmore Mercy Hospital; Mercy Hospital of Buffalo; Mount St. Mary's Hospital and its Lockport Memorial Hospital Campus; Sisters of Charity Hospital and its St. Joseph Campus; and numerous Home & Community-Based Care Services locations. Together with more than 9,700 associates and nearly 1,500 physician partners – including Trinity Medical and Catholic Medical Partners – Catholic Health is leading the transformation of healthcare, creating healthier communities, and carrying out its mission to reveal the healing love of Jesus to all.

To learn more, visit www.chsbuffalo.org.