Richmond University Medical Center cuts overnight ambulance service

One of six ambulances serving Rosebank and Stapleton will no longer respond to 911 calls between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York, has taken one of its six ambulances out of service during overnight hours, with Unit 21Boy no longer operating between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. starting on February 15. The hospital cites cost-saving measures and aligning resources with call volume as the reasons for the change, but the decision has raised concerns about response times and patient outcomes, especially for heart attack patients.

Why it matters

The reduction in overnight ambulance service could potentially impact response times and patient care, especially for time-sensitive medical emergencies like heart attacks that are more common in the early morning hours. The move also highlights the ongoing challenges healthcare institutions face in balancing resources and costs while maintaining adequate emergency medical coverage for the community.

The details

According to the hospital spokesman, Richmond University Medical Center currently operates four Basic Life Support units and two Advanced Life Support units during most hours. The decision to take one ambulance, Unit 21Boy, out of service during the overnight shift from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. is a cost-saving measure, as this unit serves the Rosebank and Stapleton areas and brings the fewest patients to the hospital, partly due to overlapping service with Northwell Staten Island University Hospital.

  • The change in ambulance service went into effect on February 15, 2026.
  • Unit 21Boy will no longer operate between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. starting this week.

The players

Richmond University Medical Center

A hospital located in West Brighton, Staten Island, New York, that provides emergency medical services to the local community.

Alex Lutz

A spokesman for Richmond University Medical Center.

FDNY/EMS

The Fire Department of New York's Emergency Medical Services, which provides emergency medical response in the city.

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What they’re saying

“Like all healthcare institutions, RUMC routinely reviews its emergency medical services demand to ensure resources are aligned with call volume and community needs.”

— Alex Lutz, Spokesman, Richmond University Medical Center (silive.com)

“Beginning on Feb. 15, one of six ambulances will be taken out of service only during our overnight shift of 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. We will continue to have full ambulance coverage at all other times.”

— Alex Lutz, Spokesman, Richmond University Medical Center (silive.com)

What’s next

The FDNY has been notified of the change in ambulance service, and the hospital has stated that it will continue to monitor response volumes and adjust as needed to ensure patient care and public safety remain top priorities.

The takeaway

The reduction in overnight ambulance service at Richmond University Medical Center highlights the ongoing challenges healthcare institutions face in balancing resources and costs while maintaining adequate emergency medical coverage for the community. The decision has raised concerns about potential impacts on response times and patient outcomes, particularly for time-sensitive medical emergencies like heart attacks, and underscores the need for continued collaboration between healthcare providers and emergency services to ensure the community's needs are met.