A Legacy of Community Care
Get To Know VMSC
Championing Community Health
Serving Lansdale and Surrounding Regions for 89 Years
With a rich history dating back to 1933, VMSC has a long-standing tradition of serving the North Penn and Indian Valley communities. From our
humble beginnings, we have grown into a leading regional EMS provider, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our community. Today, we proudly serve 11 municipalities across three counties, responding to over 18,000 calls annually, showcasing our dedication to providing timely and effective emergency care.
VMSC is not just about tradition; we are at the forefront of EMS technology. We embrace innovation to enhance our services and improve patient outcomes. By utilizing AI-powered software, we predict call volumes and strategically position ambulances, ensuring the fastest possible response times. Our paramedics are equipped with cutting-edge technology, allowing them to send live-streamed patient data to medical directors for real-time consultations, making informed decisions even before arriving at the hospital.
Our commitment to utilizing state-of-the-art equipment is evident in our ambulances, which are outfitted with advanced stretchers, lifting devices, GPS tracking, and video recording capabilities. We have even invested in a specialized bariatric ambulance to cater to the
unique needs of all our patients.
Under the leadership of Chief Shane Wheeler since 2022, VMSC has experienced significant growth and success. We have created new jobs, increased salaries, and secured contracts beyond our service area, including the Tobyhanna Army Depot and transport services for Jefferson Health and CHOP. This expansion demonstrates our commitment to reaching more individuals and providing essential medical services to a wider population. Additionally, we boast a low attrition rate, a testament to our dedication to our employees. We offer competitive wages, a strong union, and comprehensive benefits like fully-funded health insurance, ensuring our team feels valued and supported.
Investing in our team’s professional development and well-being is a top priority at VMSC. We offer on-site paramedic training, simulation labs, and mental health resources to ensure our staff is well-prepared and equipped to handle the challenges of emergency medical services. We recognize that our employees are the backbone of our organization, and their expertise and dedication are essential to delivering exceptional care.
Our commitment to the community remains at the heart of everything we do. We actively seek ways to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers, such as securing contracts and seeking municipal contributions, to ensure our services remain accessible to all. We actively participate in community events, both for emergency response and educational Show-and-Tell opportunities, fostering a strong connection with the people we serve.
Furthermore, VMSC is proud to partner with Jefferson Lansdale Hospital on a groundbreaking Mobile Integrated Health program. This program takes a proactive approach to healthcare, focusing on managing chronic conditions and reducing hospital readmissions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for our patients.
Looking ahead, VMSC is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in emergency medical services. We are constantly exploring new technologies, service models, and partnerships to enhance our care and better serve our community. We are dedicated to remaining your trusted partner, providing exceptional care and support for generations to come. Photo credit: North Penn Now Community News
Meet Our Leadership
Chief Shane Wheeler, BA, AAS-P, FP-C, NRP, CASM
Shane holds a Bachelor of Arts from Marshall University and an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science from Mountwest Community and Technical College. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s in Emergency Management at American Military University.
With over 30 years of experience in EMS and Fire Service, Shane has worked in public, commercial, and various non-profit agencies. He is a Certified Ambulance Service Manager, Certified Flight Paramedic, and Nationally Registered Paramedic. Previously, he served as Chief of the Mount Hope Fire and EMS Department and held the role of Health, Safety & Emergency Manager for Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Shaping Emergency Care
Medical Director Dr. Ryan Overberger
Dr. Ryan Overberger, our Medical Director, brings extensive expertise to the program. Currently serving as the attending physician in emergency medicine for the Jefferson-Einstein Healthcare Network, Dr. Overberger’s department specializes in various emergency services, including tactical medicine, technical rescue, major incident management, and mass gatherings.
Their mission is to prepare physicians, nurses, and out-of-hospital emergency care professionals for the challenges of delivering, researching, or planning out-of-hospital emergency medical care in any environment.