Helping The Helpers: Supporting EMS In PA

Policy Committee    April 21, 2022 | 12:06 PM

PITTSBURGH, April 20, 2022 -- The COVID-19 pandemic left many EMS member agencies in PA reporting loses ranging from $700,000 to $3 million, but problems existed long before the pandemic started. In a 2018 report, the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute estimated the number of paid EMS totaled 17,000 in the state, down from about 30,000.

PA House and Senate Policy Committees held a hearing in Pittsburgh about Emergency Medical Services in PA and how the legislature can help them continue to serve us. This hearing was held at the Foerster Student Service Center Auditorium at the Community College of Allegheny County, with a ZOOM option for those who wish to participate virtually. 

Host + Testifier

• Hosts: Senate and House Policy Committees; Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee joined Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) and state Rep. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) 
• Testifiers:
  • Greg Porter, Assistant Director, Ross/West View EMS
  • Eric Schmidt, Chief, Shaler Hampton Township EMS
  • Douglas Pascoe, Chief, South East Regional EMS
  • Bill Miller, Chief, McKeesport Area EMS Rescue
  • Jim Erb, EMS Supervisor, Citizens Hose Ambulance Service
  • Todd Plunket, Chief, Baldwin EMS

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and list of participants: Helping The Helpers: Supporting EMS In PA

Media Release + News Coverage

• Helping The Helpers: Policy Hearing About Supporting EMS In PA, April 21, 2022
• MyChesterCo, Senate, House Democrats Host Roundtable Discussion on EMS Issues, April 23, 2022

Video + Photos

• April 20, 2022 - Joint Policy Hearing: Supporting EMS in PA