The recent City Council hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) highlighted ongoing challenges and improvements in emergency medical services (EMS) in Baltimore. The discussions, held on May 29, 2025, focused on offload times at hospitals and the financial aspects of EMS operations.

A key topic was the average offload times for EMS personnel at local hospitals. Currently, the average offload time in the Baltimore area stands at approximately 50 minutes, with regional averages around 44 minutes. The goal set by state authorities is to reduce this time to 30 minutes. While there has been progress since the pandemic, where offload times were significantly longer, there remains a need for improvement. The best-performing hospital last week was MedStar Memorial, with an average offload time of 25 minutes, while Sinai Hospital lagged behind with times around 51 minutes.

The council discussed the importance of establishing a regional offload policy to standardize procedures across hospitals in the area. This initiative aims to ensure that all hospitals adhere to similar timeframes for offloading patients, which could enhance efficiency and patient care. The conversation also touched on the potential for forced offloads, where patients may be transferred to other hospitals if wait times exceed two hours, a practice that is considered a last resort.

Financially, the budget for EMS revenue in FY2026 is projected at $78 million, which is expected to cover the full cost of services. The council noted that a proposed fee increase would help maintain this balance. However, concerns were raised about ensuring that revenue does not exceed expenses, particularly as many patients are covered by Medicare or private insurance.

Council members expressed appreciation for the efforts of the BCFD and OEM, acknowledging the improvements made under Chief Wallace's leadership. While there is recognition of the progress achieved, council members also emphasized the need for continued work, particularly regarding overtime management and operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the critical nature of EMS operations in Baltimore, highlighting both the strides made in reducing offload times and the financial strategies in place to sustain these services. As the city moves forward, the establishment of a regional offload policy and ongoing financial oversight will be essential in enhancing the effectiveness of emergency medical services in the community.