Forward Township seeks answers to EMS crisis
FORWARD TWP — The township held a special public meeting Wednesday night, Oct. 18, to discuss possible solutions to the emergency medical service crisis plaguing both the township and state.
Attending were representatives from all three EMS providers that cover the township — Quality EMS, Harmony EMS and Butler Ambulance Service. Also in attendance was Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, a former firefighter and EMT.
“What we’re looking for this evening is both short-term and long-term answers to this issue,” said township supervisor Mark Wilson. “I think this is something that’s facing all emergency services. The funding is not there as it was before.”
Conrad Pfeifer, executive director of Quality EMS, gave a presentation to the board of supervisors and the public outlining why emergency services in Pennsylvania are in crisis. One reason is that insurance reimbursements, once a lifeline for EMS providers, no longer bring in enough to cover the costs of providing emergency services.
Those costs have soared due to rampant inflation. Lynn Curl, director of operations for Harmony EMS, said their payroll has “skyrocketed” as they try to retain personnel with wage increases, as well as keep up with new equipment standards.
“A new ambulance is $300,000, and that’s just for a new one,” Curl said. “You can do what you call remount. Now we're required to have an automatic load system with a track. That’s $30,000.”
Another problem plaguing emergency medical services in Pennsylvania is recruitment, as providers struggle to find new talent that will accept the relatively low wages.
“We’re trying to retain the employees that we have, so we’ve got to pay them more,” Curl said. “You’re retaining us because we want to be here, and for no other reason.”
Supervisor Mel Musulin reiterated his suggestion from the board of supervisors’ meeting Sept. 12. He proposed having the township pay a “subscription fee” for every township resident. This fee would guarantee discounted rates for emergency care.
Other speakers brought up suggestions such as levying a tax increase of 0.5 mills to fund ambulance services, which is the maximum allowed by state law.
Regardless, all in attendance were in agreement that something needs to be done quickly to prevent an already bad situation from becoming even worse.
