Northern Tier News

State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has emphasized the critical role of emergency medical responders in our communities, noting their unwavering dedication to saving lives. He urges citizens to recognize and appreciate the service these individuals provide, particularly during the upcoming National Emergency Medical Services Week, which runs from May 19-25.

This year marks a significant milestone as it is the 50th anniversary of EMS week. The theme for this year's celebration is “Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.” Causer underscores the importance of understanding history to build a better future, highlighting that the roots of EMS can be traced back to battlefield care provided to soldiers during wartime.

He notes that one of the first ambulance services in the country was established in Pennsylvania in 1967. The Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh was staffed by Black paramedics who were pioneers in the field of EMS.

President Gerald Ford dedicated the first EMS Week in 1974 with an aim to bolster efforts to enhance emergency medical care across the nation. Since then, significant advancements have been made in lifesaving skills, technology, and medical equipment.

However, Causer warns that our current EMS system is at a crossroads due to multiple factors such as personnel shortages and inconsistent funding. This has resulted in several rural communities losing their local EMS service while others are barely managing to maintain theirs.

In response to these challenges, Pennsylvania has made considerable progress by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates twice and passing legislation aimed at reducing EMS training costs and increasing its availability. This includes specific provisions designed to support rural EMS services along with additional grant support for operations, training, and equipment.

Despite these efforts, Causer insists there is more work ahead. He believes that government alone cannot solve this issue and calls upon everyone to play a part in preserving and supporting these essential services. He concludes his statement by encouraging all citizens to join hands in supporting these vital services and "answering the call: Caring for our Communities."