Wolf Administration, Health Officials Thank EMS Providers in Altoona as part of EMS Week
Bethlehem, PA – Deputy Secretary of Health Planning and Assessment Ray Barishansky today visited STAT MedEvac in Altoona to thank the air ambulance company, dispatchers and staff for their work on keeping the residents of Pennsylvania healthy and safe.
“Air ambulances provide a critical service to those who need medical immediate medical attention for a serious, life-threatening health issue,” said Secretary Murphy. “The work by those who work on air ambulance teams is a critical function to saving lives and providing people the opportunity to get the treatment they need. During EMS Week, we thank all air ambulance companies across the commonwealth for all that they do.”
In addition to the speech by the Deputy Secretary at STAT MedEvac, the President/CEO, Doug Garretson, also spoke and thanked the EMS providers and dispatch center responders for their work and dedication.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is the lead agency for emergency medical services in the Commonwealth. Within the Department of Health, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services is responsible for the statewide development and coordination of a comprehensive system to reduce premature death and disability.
Pennsylvania has over 45,000 certified EMS providers who work for over 1,300 licensed ground and air EMS agencies providing services in Pennsylvania. These providers respond to over one million requests for service each year.
For more information on EMS Week and Emergency Medical Services in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson - 717-787-1783 or ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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