NYC considers raising age limit for EMS workers who 'aged out' of firefighter test

New York City is considering temporarily raising the age limit for EMS workers interested in taking the exam to become a firefighter after hundreds “aged out” of the test as a result of pandemic delays.

The city mandates an age limit for EMTs and paramedics interested in taking the firefighter's exam. Under local law, an applicant can’t be older than 29 at the time that they file the application. New York City typically offers the promotional exam for EMTs and paramedics every four to five years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic's initial spread forced the city to delay offering the exam again in 2020, and every year after.

“EMS workers were there. They didn’t work remotely,” Councilmember Bob Holden, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said during a hearing on Tuesday, referring to the workers' role during the pandemic. “It’s kind of like a kick in the head that they didn’t get it and now we have to do legislation to rectify it. It just seems very unfair.”

The missed exams are the most recent complaint from EMTs and paramedics, who have continued to raise alarms about low pay and subpar benefits. Firefighters make $25,000 more than EMTs and $10,000 more than paramedics on average.

And while the city plans to offer the exam again next year, it’s already too late for at least 324 people who will be too old by November, when the registration period reopens, said FDNY official Jason Shelly. Under the new measure currently being debated, EMTs and paramedics can take the promotional exam when it is offered again next year even if they’re older than 29.

During public testimony, several EMS workers said the missed opportunity also adds insult to injury because the city relied on their increased presence on the frontlines during the pandemic.

“Members all over the city stepped up for overtime, took time away from their families and most importantly got the job done while civilians did their best to stay indoors,” Michael Kavanaugh, 27, who previously worked as an EMT in Rockaway Beach and is now pursuing paramedic training, said. “I couldn’t tell you a name in this department that didn’t contract COVID.”

Kavanaugh said he saw these same people on the frontlines “lose hope” at getting a chance to advance their careers after turning 29.

The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Shelly applauded the bill, calling the missed exam opportunity “unequitable and unfair” for those who didn’t get a chance to take it and voicing his support for “the legislative solution.”

“COVID hit us hard, but many of us hit COVID right back,” Kavanaugh said. “The city does not owe us anything. We are asking for you to hear our concerns and hope you support our efforts that got us here today.”