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Pennsylvania Faces EMS Staffing and Funding Crisis

Paramedics working diligently in the field to provide emergency care.

News Summary

Pennsylvania’s EMS agencies are in crisis as funding shortages and recruitment challenges lead to service closures. The state has introduced initiatives, including a $1 million annual program for training reimbursements and a proposed tax credit for EMS personnel, but more comprehensive solutions are needed to ensure patient care and service availability are not compromised.

Pennsylvania is facing a critical emergency services crisis as several Emergency Medical Services (EMS) groups convened at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on May 13 to highlight urgent challenges within their agencies. The Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP) revealed alarming statistics, indicating that 52 ambulance services have closed in the last 29 months due to a combination of insufficient funding and inadequate reimbursements from insurance companies.

The issue of recruitment has become increasingly severe as EMS agencies struggle to attract new providers. AAP President Gary Watters reported that the current system’s failures make recruiting challenging, revealing that the situation has reached a “dire” state. EMS groups have called for immediate action to protect patients from overwhelming medical bills.

The AAP is advocating for a statewide fee schedule that would establish standardized payments from insurance providers during emergencies. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on both patients and EMS providers. In a response to the ongoing staffing challenges, Pennsylvania has introduced a new state program that will allocate $1 million annually for three years for training reimbursement and recruitment retention programs for EMS workers. Individuals certified as emergency medical responders, EMTs, advanced EMTs, or paramedics after July 1, 2023, are eligible for this reimbursement program.

EMS agencies will have the opportunity to receive $1,125 annually for recruitment and retention initiatives. The McCandless/Franklin Park ambulance authority expressed optimism about the program, suggesting it may incentivize more individuals to pursue EMT training, addressing both current staffing shortages and future needs.

Statistics from 2021 reflect a concerning trend, as 4,053 EMS certifications in Pennsylvania were not renewed, with a significant number of these being EMT certifications. Recruitment issues are compounded by dwindling volunteer participation rates and competitive wages available in other industries. Chief Greg Porter of Ross/West View EMS noted that while their staffing figures appear stable, the industry has witnessed a significant decline in applicants over the past 10-15 years, a trend that has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to enhance recruitment and retention, Representative Joe Hogan of Bucks County has introduced House Bill 1557. This proposed legislation offers a $2,500 tax credit per year for three years for firefighters and EMS personnel who either currently reside or move to Pennsylvania for work. This bill aligns with similar tax credits recently approved for police officers, nurses, and teachers.

Chief Porter remarked that the introduction of the tax credit represents a positive step forward; however, he emphasized that additional measures must also be explored to effectively confront the ongoing staffing crisis facing the EMS sector. Currently, House Bill 1557 is under review in the House Finance Committee.

The pressing issue of staffing shortages and ambulance service closures in Pennsylvania highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions within the EMS sector, impacting both service providers and the communities they serve. As EMS agencies advocate for changes to support recruitment and financial stability, the potential implications for patient care and service availability continue to be a growing concern across the state.