Sen. Chip Curry introduces bill to study the delivery of emergency medical services to and ferry service effects on island communities

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 2, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, introduced a bill that would establish a working group to study the emergency medical and ferry services of island communities. LD 841, “Resolve, to Study the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services to and Ferry Service Effects on Island Communities in the State,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

“Emergency medical service for island communities has been an ongoing issue that I’ve worked to tackle in the Legislature,” said Sen. Curry. “LD 841 doesn’t assume the answers — it asks the right questions in the proper forum. This bill is about preparation, partnership and ensuring that all Mainers — whether they live on the mainland or an island 12 miles offshore — can rely on timely, effective medical care.”

The Department of Transportation and the Maine State Ferry Service recently considered changing overnight ferry berthing from the islands to the mainland. While the intent is to improve operational efficiency and address workforce needs, islanders have sounded the alarm that this change could delay response times in life-threatening situations. During their off hours from traditional transportation services, ferries provide a critical emergency medical service (EMS) function, transporting ambulances to the mainland. Any future decisions must take into account not only operational and staffing concerns, but also the essential role these ferries play in protecting islanders’ health and safety.

As written, LD 841 directs the Maine Office of Community Affairs to convene a working group made up of ferry service officials, EMS professionals, island representatives and key stakeholders to study how EMS is delivered to Maine’s island communities and assess how changes to ferry service may affect that delivery. The working group is to report its recommendations to the Legislature by December 3, 2025.

LD 841 awaits further action in committee.

Sen. Curry represents District 11, which includes all of Waldo County.

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