When New Yorkers call 911, they count on a quick response to get the help they need in an emergency.

But for many rural areas in Upstate New York, that can be easier said than done.

Across the state, ambulance corps have been struggling to stay afloat. In the Saratoga County suburb of Greenfield, a new ambulance corps is working to close the response gap and get care to people faster.

The town is partnering with Corinth EMS to provide its more than 8,000 residents with a 24/7 emergency service located in the center of the community.

Greenfield paramedic Elmer Santiago was recently working in the middle of his weekly 24-hour shift.

“With us being right here, we can be anywhere within three to six minutes,” he said.

Before Greenfield got its own ambulance corps, residents relied on those in other municipalities like the village of Ballston Spa, Wilton and Corinth to respond to calls.

That could take up to 15 minutes, depending on where the call came from.

“If someone’s in cardiac arrest, you have irreversible brain damage after four minutes,” explained Santiago.

But a new ambulance corps also means finding more people to staff it. Between Corinth and Greenfield, they’re short five paramedics and four emergency medical technicians.

Santiago said they turn to nearby fire departments to help out.

Even though he’s technically retired, Santiago plans to continue his work as a paramedic, especially now, when he’s needed the most.

“If we need them for anything — lift assistance, to open a door, forcible entry or just extra hand on a call or maybe to drive — they’ll always be there. We can count on them,” he said.