ALBANY, N.Y. — New York EMS agencies will soon need to equip “emergency ambulance service vehicles in a certified ambulance service,” with dash cameras under a statewide mandate aimed at improving safety, accountability and post-incident review.
WROC reported that under the mandate, published in October 2025, EMS providers must purchase dash cameras equipped with the following capabilities at a minimum:
- Records from the driver’s perspective at least towards the front of the vehicle
- Activated by “g” force change
- Capable of recording pre- and post-activation
- Capable of recording sounds and video and retain such recording for a period of no less than 10 days
Perinton Ambulance has used dash cameras for more than six years, according to Chief Robert Cieri, who said most EMS agencies in the Rochester area already have the devices installed across their fleets.
“We’ve had several instances where they have saved us on the liability end, but also for driver training and employee improvement,” Cieri said.
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For the past decade, Newark-Arcadia Volunteer Ambulance has similarly used dash cameras, Chief Timothy Wood said.
“Our drivers can understand what they can improve on and make those improvements, and we can give them that feedback in real time,” Wood said.
While most larger EMS agencies in the region already have dash cameras installed, smaller providers may need to find funding to comply with the upcoming mandate, WHEC reported.
CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare, for example, has equipped all of its ambulances with dash cameras for the past 15 years. The technology has become a routine part of training and quality assurance for EMTs and paramedics, according to Chief Frank Manzo.
“It could be $3,000 to $5,000 per camera and then you usually pay a subscription fee for them because the video is usually cloud-based,” Manzo said, “You also have to put the policies and procedures in place with it as well.”
Newark-Arcadia EMS has gone a step further by outfitting its EMTs with body-worn cameras in addition to dash cameras. Chief Timothy Wood said the footage helps supervisors review calls, coach providers and recognize strong performance.
All new EMS vehicles must be equipped with dash cameras starting in April, while existing vehicles must be retrofitted with the technology by this fall.
Does your agency use dash or body cams? Have they improved safety, training or accountability — or created challenges? Share your experience.
