Staffing issues leading to slower response times for local ambulance services

KARNS CITY, Pa. — Right now, a lot of ambulance services are struggling with staffing, including in the northern part of Butler County where it’s very rural.

“We have vacancies in our schedule. A lot of weekend vacancy because we don’t have enough paramedics to cover the weekends,” said Mark Lauer for Karns City Regional Ambulance Service.

County leaders said the lack of EMS personnel has led to slower emergency response due to ambulances being on other calls and not having other available resources.

“And quite often, even the resources we have are pulled in every direction, not only in our county but out of county to assist them because they are feeling the same crunch as we are,” said Steven Bicehouse, Butler County’s Emergency Services Director.

The Butler County Commissioners approved a proposal to bring in an organization to help respond and assist in emergencies until an ambulance arrives. Steven Bicehouse said they hope to have a paramedic available 24/7 to be an extra set of hands.

“Time is precious, especially when it comes to life saving measures. Our hope is by getting somebody that can provide care so we can help to save some lives,” Bicehouse said.

Bicehouse said they would use funds from the American Rescue Plan. He also said the southern part of the county has something similar and it’s been very beneficial.

Mark Lauer said this could be helpful. However, he wants the county to financially invest in existing EMS agencies instead. He said this proposal could hurt them if part time paramedics leave to work at the new entity.

“Reduced our availability of paramedics to 50% and that’s detrimental,” Lauer said.

The proposal could go into effect as early as the start of next year.

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