New EMS Authority planned for Brackenridge and surrounding areas

A new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority could be set up to serve the communities of Brackenridge, East Deer, Harrison, and Tarentum by January 2026. This initiative aims to address ongoing funding challenges faced by local EMS services, which are also common across the country. The exploratory committee that has been working on this project for a year believes this authority will provide a long-term solution to these issues. East Deer Commissioner Tony Taliani mentioned that while a vote is not imminent, discussions are positive and moving forward. Once established, the EMS Authority would function similar to a water or sewage authority. Residents would be served by a merger of two local EMS providers, Citizens Hose EMS and Eureka Community Ambulance, which have operated in the area for about 89 years. Together, they respond to several thousand calls each year. Citizens EMS Supervisor Jim Erb emphasized the importance of this initiative and expressed hope for community support to improve emergency medical services. He noted that financial difficulties are common for EMS agencies due to inconsistent funding and low insurance reimbursement rates. The steering committee plans to keep meeting to review data and get community feedback. They are currently exploring different funding models and have hired a consultant to assist with the project. Costs associated with this consultant totaled up to $32,500, shared among the participating municipalities based on population. Officials from Fawn and Frazer have shown interest in the project but will make final decisions once costs are confirmed. Taliani added that any municipality joining the authority will have a voice on the governing board, and he believes current discussions are productive and collaborative.