Pittsburgh-area EMS agencies discuss challenges with lawmakers
HAMPTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) — EMS leaders say they're experiencing a crisis, with much of it stemming from funding. On Friday, agencies from across Allegheny County met with state lawmakers in Hampton Township to inform them about the challenges facing their field and discuss possible solutions.
Shaler Hampton EMS Chief Eric Schmidt wants to send a message to state senators and representatives serving Allegheny County.
"The bad news is what we're asking today is going to be a heavy lift," Schmidt said.
"There's a multitude of problems leading to a real crisis in EMS," he added.
He and other EMS leaders fear what will happen to people in communities if something doesn't change in their field, so the 32 agencies that serve 130 municipalities in the county shared the problems they're facing at the Hampton Township Community Center through a forum with lawmakers, who have the ability to make a difference.
First and foremost is a staffing shortage, caused primarily by low salaries.
"Restrictive payment practices for insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, who pay far less than cost providing services, makes it a struggle to pay a living wage to our staff," Schmidt said.
Another big problem is the lack of training centers, especially for rural areas, and then there's the rising cost of ambulances and medical equipment.
"An ambulance that two years ago cost $206,000, this year cost $270,000," Schmidt said.
Schmidt said their end goal is to get lawmakers to pass a law creating a statewide EMS fee schedule.
"That makes insurers pay at a fair rate, protects consumers from their out-of-pocket expense and pays EMS directly," Schmidt said.
Democratic state Sen. Lindsey Williams recognizes EMTs need more, and said it's important other lawmakers do too.
"We're here to talk about how we can stop talking about saying we support first responders and actually support first responders," Williams said.
She now hopes to work on drafting up a bill to accomplish Schmidt's goal.
"What's the best language and how can we get it across the finish line," Williams said.
