Paramedic/firefighter Kevin Gordon and Advanced EMT/firefighter Cliff Mungavin of the Bryn Athyn Fire Company attended a press conference in the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda to bring attention to the lack of financial support for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies across the state, the company announced.

The May 14 event was hosted by the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP).

The association is advocating for five reforms to the EMS delivery system: Fair, realistic and consistent insurance reimbursements; protection for patients through fair out-of-pocket limits and billing protections; dedicated and consistent municipal and state funding to support readiness; a standalone EMS grant program; and an elevated voice for EMS in the administration, according to a press release published by Representative Martin Causer.

The press conference can be viewed here.

In related news, the Pennsylvania Department of Health launched a new statewide initiative on May 15 intended to attract and recruit Pennsylvanians to the EMS field.

The department will partner with all 13 Pennsylvania regional EMS councils to host career days offering opportunities to speak with local EMS responders and learn more about the role through on-site activities.

To assist in the effort, Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget proposal adds $6 million more per year for the next three years to the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, which would be disbursed through the regional EMS councils to local stations for activities such as recruitment and retention programs.

“Providing 24-hour access to emergency care is no easy feat because every call for help has unique circumstances and many EMS services are stretched thin,” said Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack. “We need to work together to create a pipeline of Pennsylvanians who want to serve their communities as EMS professionals.”

EMS Week will take place this year from May 18-24.

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Photo: Rep Causer