Harrisburg, PA – Providing expert medical care for Pennsylvanians in need is the priority for EMS agencies across the Commonwealth. Over the last three years, the Shapiro Administration has invested nearly $56 million so Pennsylvania’s EMS agencies can purchase the equipment they need to keep patients safe and stable during an emergency. Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-2027 proposed budget includes another $6 million to help EMS agencies purchase the equipment needed to provide patient safety and care.
In partnership with Pennsylvania’s 13 regional EMS councils, this additional investment from the EMS Operating Fund (EMSOF) builds on the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to ensure EMS agencies have the tools they need to respond to more than 2.2 million calls annually.
Equipment upgrades, such as video laryngoscopes and intravenous (IV) pumps, will help EMS professionals reduce the chances of airway trauma in patients and deliver fluids, such as nutrients or medications, more efficiently and safely. These tools are a vital step towards modernizing EMS care in Pennsylvania.
Click here to watch Southern Allegheny EMS (SAEMS) Regional Council Director Jordan Anthony and click here to watch Valley Ambulance Authority EMS Chief Brian Herskovitz discuss how investments in new tools refine EMS skills and positively impact patient outcomes in Pennsylvania.
Jordan Anthony, SAEMS Regional Council Director
“Over the past couple years, our 911 call volume has increased tremendously – needing more need of the EMS agencies.
So it’s super important to make sure that these ambulances are staffed and equipped with appropriate equipment.
It helps tremendously with critically ill patients for our providers. It makes it easier, makes the training more helpful, it’s proven with the data to increase the livelihood of our Commonwealth.
It’s the latest and greatest equipment that we have. High tech and it’s just, like I said, it’s super beneficial for the providers to use that equipment.
And the data is out there that, you know, our first pass success rate is around 70%. And hopefully with implementing the video laryngoscopes, we'll see that climb into the mid-90s, high 90s.”
Brian Herskovitz, Valley Ambulance Authority EMS Chief
“So EMS is the heart and the foundation of our communities.
This is the mobile emergency department on wheels.
We respond to day-in-and-day-out of emergencies from the stubbed toe to the most critical scenarios that require these video laryngoscopes, respiratory failure to cardiac arrest.
Our system needs long-term sustainable funding and these pieces of investment go towards that long-term goal.
Although this is not the final solution, this does not take us out of the final hurdle.
This adds to some comfort to knowing that, you know, legislative and state lawmakers and the administration from Josh Shapiro’s office, you know, care about our industry and care about the people that we serve.
The video laryngoscopes are used in most austere or, you know, most unexpected environments.
These tools really allow a magnifying view to help paramedics pass that tube through for better precision and to improve patient outcomes.”
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