HARRISBURG Surrounded by dozens of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in the state Capitol this week, Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, once again called on state and local governments to do their part to keep life-saving EMS services up and running across the state.

‘Over the last two years, with over 50 agencies ceasing their operations, the question recurs ‘where is the urgency from state government?” Causer asked. ‘Today is a call to action. We have to act now to keep these vital services in our communities.’

The Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP) hosted the press conference in the Capitol Rotunda to once again bring attention to the growing crisis facing EMS providers who are called upon day in and day out to save lives. AAP President Gary Watters pointed to the dire situation facing EMS agencies operating at a loss because they receive little to no financial support from the municipalities they serve and insurance reimbursements cover just a fraction of actual costs.

In his remarks, Causer noted he wears two hats when it comes to EMS issues. Not only is he a state lawmaker but he also serves as a volunteer EMT and life member with Port Area

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Rep. Martin ments to do the state.

Causer, R-Turtlepoint, once again called on state and local governtheir part to keep life-saving EMS services up and running across

Photo provided Ambulance Service in Port Allegany.

He shared how, over the last year, Port Area Ambulance has seen its coverage area increase from just three municipalities to six, covering an area of 300 square miles with just two ambulances, a single crew and additional volunteers. He commended all six of those municipalities for providing funding for the service, noting that only 28% of municipalities statewide do the same.

He said the challenges for ambulance companies in the region are further exacerbated by area hospitals decreasing services, specifically noting the lack of labor and delivery services in a seven-county area.

To help address EMS concerns in rural Pennsylvania and across the commonwealth, AAP 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

■ An elevated voice for EMS in the administration Causer has long been an advocate for EMS services across the state, having authored legislation to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates and provide more affordable and accessible training opportunities. He has supported efforts to modify staffing requirements and require direct payment by insurance companies to ambulance service providers.

This session he has introduced House Bill 857, which would ensure reimbursement for treatment provided, even when transport does not take place. He will also soon introduce a proposal to create an independent Office of EMS Commissioner within the state Department of Health to elevate attention to the serious challenges facing EMS providers.

“Our voice needs to get louder and stronger,” Causer said. “EMS is too important to be buried five layers deep inside the Department of Health. The EMS commissioner would report directly to the governor and would effectively elevate and strengthen our voices as we work to stabilize EMS services in the commonwealth.”

The full press conference, and Causer’s comments, are available to view online.