By: Tracy Pennycuick
In 2021, in Berks and Montgomery counties, over 2 million emergency medical calls were made, according to the most recent data provided by the Pennsylvania State EMS Data Bridge, a collection and reporting system for EMS in PA.
Emergency responders are critical to ensuring the health and well-being of our citizens.
In our region, we are very fortunate to have so many highly qualified emergency responders. I know firsthand when my mother was ill the critical role they played in saving her life. Without their prompt and skilled response, my mom, like many others who call 9-1-1 would have been in serious trouble.
Prior to joining the Army, I worked as an EMS technician. I’m not sure any job prepares you for flying an Army helicopter in a combat zone, but working in EMS comes close. It’s a stressful, challenging, and rewarding job all at the same time.
Unfortunately, today’s emergency personnel face another kind of stress too, a financial one. Many EMS organizations across the state are struggling with both fiscal and workforce shortages while at the same time seeing an increase in the number of calls for service.
EMS companies not only provide timely medical support, but they are also required to ensure that ambulances are adequately equipped and prepared to provide excellent emergency care.
Last legislative session, the Pennsylvania Senate took steps to address outdated restrictions allowing municipalities to allocate funds more effectively, particularly for staffing – and enabling them to better support the essential personnel who protect our communities. The legislative package enabled municipalities to use a greater portion of existing local EMS and fire taxes for personnel costs without raising taxes. Previously, only half of EMS tax revenue could be allocated to personnel, limiting municipalities’ ability to address the staffing shortages facing both EMS providers and fire companies.
We all want prompt, high quality emergency medical care in the event of a sudden illness or injury. Unfortunately, as in many other sectors, it has become challenging to attract and retain EMS workers. This law gives our municipal officials the option to provide more flexibility for our EMS providers without changing their existing EMS tax rate.
In addition, the Senate passed legislation to ensure emergency providers are compensated for all loaded miles by increasing reimbursement rates for services. This will help local companies cover the increasing costs of transportation.
Unfortunately, much work remains to be done.
Recently, I had a meeting with EMS companies in my district to discuss the numerous issues affecting their organizations. Many sounded the alarm about systemic issues such as staffing shortages, equipment needs, and difficulty getting reimbursed by insurance companies.
A recent report issued by Montgomery County identified some of the same concerns.
Government at all levels must do more to address these critical issues, including developing a sustainable funding model to include operating and capital costs, ensuring the continued efficiency of service delivery of critical calls, and supporting workforce needs, such as high-quality training. The sustainability of our EMS system will require a strong workforce with an emphasis on recruitment and retention. As a state senator, I will continue to do all I can to aid our extraordinary EMS professionals.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388