MARLBORO, N.Y. >> U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan continued his push Friday to pass federal legislation that would ensure fair compensation for emergency service personnel and improve health care access for seniors through Medicaid reimbursements for care administered in the field.

Ryan is a co-sponsor of the bill, known as the “Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act.”

“Our Hudson Valley grandparents, neighbors, and friends are safer and healthier because of the dedicated care EMS workers provide to our communities across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties,” Ryan said in a statement. “They are true heroes — and I’ll fight every single day to ensure they have the tools they need to administer lifesaving care in every corner of the Hudson Valley.

“They also deserve to be compensated — no matter where they administer care,” Ryan said. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Comprehensive Alternate Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act to ensure that our highly trained first responders are fully supported in continuing to save lives and serve our seniors.”

In August, Ryan was joined by over 40 Hudson Valley Emergency Medical Services leaders from across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties to discuss the challenges facing EMS first responders.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Carey, a Republican from Ohio. The bill has 12 Democratic co-sponsors and 9 other Republican co-sponsors.

Ryan is a member of the bipartisan Congressional EMS Caucus.

In addition to the CARE Act, Ryan’s office also touted on Friday what it described as several efforts to support and improve conditions for EMS first responders, including bills to support rural EMS operations and fully fund EMS first responders and the lifesaving care they administer.

“Investing in and supporting Ulster County’s emergency response personnel is a critical part of keeping our communities safe,” said Everett Erichsen, Ulster County Department of Emergency Services Director, in a news release. “Our first responders are heroes, and they deserve the absolute best.”

“Dutchess County’s EMS personnel and first responders are true heroes. They confront danger head-on each day, ready to sacrifice it all to keep our loved ones safe,” said William H. Beale, Dutchess County’s Commissioner of Emergency Response. “It is imperative that these first responders and their respective agencies have the necessary tools and support to meet their mission of public safety.”