Austin A. Davis 35th Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Ahead of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced a new statewide initiative to bolster recruitment in the EMS field. Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack visited AMED Authority EMS station to kick off the campaign aimed at attracting Pennsylvanians to careers in emergency medical services.
The department plans to collaborate with all 13 regional EMS councils across Pennsylvania to organize career days. These events will offer opportunities for individuals to engage with local EMS responders and participate in on-site activities that provide insights into the profession.
Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget for 2025-2026 includes an additional $6 million annually over the next three years for the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund. This funding will be distributed through regional EMS councils to support local stations' recruitment and retention programs.
"Providing 24-hour access to emergency care is no easy feat because every call for help has unique circumstances and many EMS services are stretched thin," said Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack. "We need to work together to create a pipeline of Pennsylvanians who want to serve their communities as EMS professionals."
The announcement featured speakers such as Gary Watters, Chief of AMED; Jordan Anthony, Southern Allegheny EMS Regional Council Director; and James Musselman, an AMED EMS student.
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