How $6.6 million from the state budget helps EMS units save lives

A $6.6 million allocation from Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget is buying medical equipment that can help local EMS personnel save more lives, according to a recent announcement from the state Department of Health.

The allocation comes from the commonwealth’s EMS Operating Fund (EMSOF), with revenue generated from a $20 fee on moving vehicle violations and a $50 fee added for those in the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) program.

About $4.5 million of the total is being distributed to Pennsylvania’s 13 regional EMS Councils, including the Southern Alleghenies EMS Council (SAEMS), which serves Somerset County, to purchase new medical equipment. The remainder will be used to recruit, train and retain EMS personnel statewide, according to the Department of Health.

How the money helps local EMS

The Southern Alleghenies EMS Council plans to use the $280,912 it receives to purchase medical equipment for ‘first out’ staffed EMS units in its six-county area, which respond and provide emergency medical care to patients before and during transport to the hospital.

“Our plans include video laryngoscopes, intravenous pumps, 12-lead EKGs for basic life support ambulances and guardian angel safety lights,” said SAEMS Executive Director Jordan Anthony in an email to the Daily American.

Video laryngoscopes help EMS personnel place a breathing tube into a patient’s airway using the aid of a video camera, making the procedure more successful and safer for the patient who needs immediate assistance to breathe, according to the Department of Health.

Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen observed EMS personnel demonstrating the use of a video laryngoscope on a March 9 visit to the EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County.

“EMS professionals are called to care for people in their times of need, and when they arrive, we expect them to be well-trained and equipped to respond,” she said during the visit.

“We need to ensure that they have the necessary training and equipment to save lives and provide safe transport to the hospital.”

EMS agencies in Pennsylvania assist more than 2.2 million residents each year, according to the Department of Health.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has allocated an additional $6 million in his proposed 2026-27 budget from the EMS Operating Fund to support EMS agencies in the next fiscal year.