A feasibility study conducted in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania recommends that local Emergency Medical Services agencies strengthen regional cooperation and secure dedicated funding to stabilize EMS operations. The study was requested by county commissioners and reviewed the practices of most EMS providers in the county. EMS1

Key Findings

  • Several volunteer EMS agencies in Wyoming County have folded or reduced services due to financial strain and staffing shortages. EMS1

  • The study identifies staffing shortages as the single largest challenge, noting an EMT’s average starting salary in Pennsylvania is approximately $32,489, which many consider insufficient to live on without additional jobs. EMS1

Recommendations

  1. Build stronger cooperation among EMS agencies to enhance teamwork, trust, and communication. EMS1

  2. Establish dedicated funding sources beyond billing and subscriptions, such as a 0.5-mill municipal EMS tax. EMS1

  3. Form a countywide EMS authority encompassing all 23 municipalities to centralize administration and allocate resources. EMS1

  4. Create a long-term strategic planning committee with EMS personnel, officials, and community stakeholders, setting goals from six months to five years. EMS1

  5. Work with fire departments to establish Quick Response Services to shorten rural response times. EMS1

  6. Expand public awareness campaigns to explain the EMS crisis and funding needs. EMS1

Local leaders expressed support for collaborative cost-sharing and coordination but noted the challenges ahead. EMS1

Expanded Context — EMS Funding & System Challenges in Pennsylvania

The Wyoming County report reflects wider, statewide issues affecting EMS systems in Pennsylvania.

1. Broader Funding Shortfalls

A recent audit revealed that Pennsylvania’s Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund (EMSOF) has ongoing accountability problems, with auditors unable to fully trace how most of the distributed funds were spent. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of state financing mechanisms that support local EMS services. altoonamirror.com

2. State Increases in EMS Support

In contrast to funding challenges, Pennsylvania’s 2025–26 state budget included a $6 million dedicated investment in EMS through regional councils to support training, recruitment, and equipment purchases. This funding is administered by the Department of Health and is meant to bolster local EMS infrastructure. Pennsylvania.gov

3. Regional Models Are Being Explored Elsewhere

Regional cooperation isn’t theoretical—other Pennsylvania municipalities have already formed regional EMS authorities to manage services across multiple jurisdictions, addressing both funding and operational coverage gaps. The Pennsylvania Municipal League

4. General Trend Toward Regionalization

Research from fire and EMS studies nationally suggests formal regional partnerships and cooperative agreements can improve cost efficiency and resource allocation, particularly where individual agencies struggle financially on their own. swarthmorepa.org

Why This Matters

Financial Sustainability

Traditional revenue sources for EMS—insurance billing, subscriptions, and volunteer support—are no longer sufficient in many communities. Without predictable funding streams, agencies are at risk of closure, which in turn extends response times and reduces access to critical care, especially in rural areas. EMS1

Workforce Pressures

Low wages and burnout contribute to workforce shortages. This problem is compounded when agencies must rely on part-time staff juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. EMS1

Regional Cooperation as a Solution

By pooling resources and creating centralized authorities or service districts, communities can:

  • Share equipment and supply costs.

  • Provide consistent administrative leadership.

  • Standardize training and quality of care.

  • Set county-wide response standards rather than fragmented municipal expectations. EMS1

Mark, E. (2025, December 22). Pa. county EMS study calls for regional cooperation, dedicated funding. EMS1. https://www.ems1.com/ems-management/pa-county-ems-study-calls-for-regional-cooperation-dedicated-funding EMS1

Altoona Mirror. (2025, November 24). Report on Pennsylvania EMS funding reveals shortcomings. AltoonaMirror.com. altoonamirror.com

Pennsylvania Department of Health. (2025, December 4). Governor Shapiro invests $6 million in new funding for EMS to expand quality emergency health services for Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania.gov. Pennsylvania.gov

Swarthmore Borough. (2025, December 13). Fire and EMS protection study. SwarthmorePA.org. swarthmorepa.org

Elizabethtown Borough. (2023, February 15). Eight Pennsylvania municipalities solve EMS crisis by creating first-of-its-kind regional municipal authority. PML.org. The Pennsylvania Municipal League