VMSC News

VMSC EMS has launched its Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Transfusion Program in Chester and across Delaware County — a major advancement that brings hospital-level trauma care directly to patients in the field. This initiative not only strengthens EMS capabilities but highlights the growing importance of early intervention in critical trauma cases. With this program, VMSC is setting a new standard in emergency response focused on improving survival and patient outcomes. In partnership with Jefferson Health and the American Red Cross, VMSC paramedics are now trained and equipped to administer whole blood at the scene or during transport offering trauma patients vital care when every second counts. This capability is especially critical in cases of hemorrhagic shock, severe trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding, where rapid transfusion can stabilize patients, restore volume, and improve their chances of survival. Studies show that for each minute a transfusion is delayed, mortality increases by approximately 2%. Starting transfusions before hospital arrival can dramatically improve outcomes particularly in areas where transport times are longer or access to advanced care is limited. Timely intervention in the field doesn’t just save minutes — it saves lives. This expansion comes at a critical time following the closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center, which significantly increased transport times from an average of 3–5 minutes to 20 or more in some areas. VMSC’s ability to begin transfusions en route addresses this urgent gap and ensures patients receive the care they need sooner, not just when they arrive at the hospital, but when they need it most. The Role of Blood in Emergency Care VMSC’s mobile whole blood units are safely stored in temperature-controlled containers and rapidly deployed to the scene. Paramedics have received specialized training in field transfusion protocols, and blood supplies are managed in collaboration with regional blood banks and the American Red Cross to ensure quality and safety. With fewer than 1% of EMS agencies nationwide offering this level of care, VMSC is proud to lead the way in bringing cutting-edge trauma intervention directly to the communities we serve. This isn’t just about providing blood; it’s about transforming how emergency care is delivered in Delaware County. It reflects a deeper commitment to innovation, excellence, and patient-centered care that ensures the right treatment starts the moment we arrive.

Each year, EMS Week gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who respond to emergencies with compassion, courage, and clinical skill. At VMSC Emergency Medical Services, EMS Week 2025 was more than just a celebration—it was a meaningful reflection of our mission: One Call, One Life at a Time. Here’s a look at the wide range of events, recognitions, and moments that made this year unforgettable. Blessing of the Hands We began the week with a powerful tradition, the Blessing of the Hands. Our Chaplain visited several VMSC stations, offering a moment of calm reflection and purpose. This symbolic gesture recognized the hands that comfort, carry, lift, and save lives every single day. For many, it served as a meaningful reminder of the humanity behind the uniform. Community Blood Drive On Thursday May 22nd, VMSC hosted a community blood drive giving back in one of the most impactful ways possible. Staff, volunteers, and community members came together to donate blood, supporting the ongoing need for life-saving transfusions. As an EMS agency now carrying whole blood in the field, this initiative was especially close to our mission and heart. Fall Reduction Program at PPH Continuing our commitment to prevention and community outreach, our team led a Fall Reduction Program at the Philadelphia Protestant Home. Staff educated residents and facility leadership on safety strategies, home hazards, and mobility support—helping reduce risk before emergencies even occur. Junior Paramedic Day at Chesterbrook Academy One of the most energizing events of the week was our participation in a Junior Paramedic Program at Chesterbrook Academy in North Wales. Students explored EMS equipment, learned basic first aid, and had hands-on fun while gaining insight into the work paramedics do. Inspiring the next generation of lifesavers is something we take great pride in. Social Spotlights & In-Action Moments Across our social media platforms, we shared real moments from the field showcasing crews in action, training highlights, and powerful behind-the-scenes glimpses into what makes VMSC a leader in EMS. These posts helped connect our community to the faces behind the care. Jefferson Lansdale Hospital Picnic To close out the week, our partners at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital hosted their annual EMS Week Picnic at VMSC Headquarters. The picnic was filled with laughter, gratitude, and a sense of unity. Sharing a meal with colleagues across divisions was the perfect way to wrap up a week of reflection and celebration. Looking Ahead EMS Week may only come once a year, but the work, dedication, and heart of our crews never stops. We’re proud of the impact we made throughout the week—not just within our walls, but throughout our communities. To our field providers, dispatchers, volunteers, support staff, and leadership, thank you for all that you do. Your service defines excellence in prehospital care. One Call. One Life. One Team.

May 3, 2025 — VMSC Emergency Medical Services is proud to announce the official launch of its 911 EMS operations in Delaware County, marking a significant expansion of our regional service footprint and commitment to delivering high-quality, pre-hospital emergency care. The launch follows the closure of Crozer EMS, which previously served multiple municipalities in the region. In response, VMSC has deployed a robust and coordinated response system to ensure that no gaps in emergency medical coverage exist. Services began at 7:00 AM on May 3, with Chief Shane Wheeler signing on as “Chief 400” to signify the start of operations. Our deployment includes: This strategic placement supports rapid response, seamless integration, and the continued delivery of advanced life support across the region. “This launch represents a unified effort to provide uninterrupted, high-quality care and preserve the invaluable local EMS experience,” said Shane Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of VMSC. “We recognized the urgency of restoring services and maintaining continuity for both patients and EMS professionals. This moment reflects our commitment to community readiness and operational excellence.” A core priority in this expansion was preserving the local EMS workforce. Of the 58 professionals hired to staff Delaware County operations, 42 are former Crozer EMS employees. These individuals bring with them not only clinical expertise, but also a deep familiarity with the communities they serve—ensuring continuity, local knowledge, and trusted care from day one. VMSC is also grateful for the support and leadership of Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Mayor Stefan Roots of Chester, and the broader community of stakeholders who played an essential role in facilitating this successful transition. Since 1933, VMSC has remained committed to innovation, professionalism, and compassionate care. Our expansion into Delaware County reflects not just growth, but a continued promise to serve communities with the highest standards of emergency medical service. We are honored to partner with the residents, leaders, and healthcare systems of Chester, Springfield, Marcus Hook, and Swarthmore, and we look forward to building strong, collaborative relationships throughout the region.

HATFIELD, PA (March 11, 2025) – VMSC Emergency Medical Services (VMSC EMS) has introduced alifesaving advancement in emergency medical care, becoming the first EMS agency in the region to carrywhole blood for pre-hospital transfusions. This capability ensures that critically ill and injured patients in NorthPenn and Indian Valley have access to whole blood transfusion. Only 1% of EMS agencies in the UnitedStates have this capability.Pre-hospital whole blood transfusions have been proven to increase survival rates by up to four timescompared to IV fluids alone. Studies have shown that this intervention can reduce mortality from hemorrhagicshock by nearly 30%. By making whole blood readily available on ambulances, VMSC paramedics can nowprovide this critical treatment at the scene of an emergency—helping to save lives before patients reach thehospital.American collegeA Historic Milestone for EMSOn March 10, 2025, VMSC hosted a launch event at its Hatfield headquarters, welcoming over 150 local, state,and federal officials to witness this milestone in emergency medicine. The event featured a live whole bloodtransfusion simulation, demonstrating how this groundbreaking capability will improve patient outcomes.Speakers included:

We are proud to have our wellness initiative highlighted by WHYY, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health and burnout in EMS. At VMSC, we understand the emotional and physical challenges faced by our team, and we are committed to fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes their well-being. Our dedicated Wellness Team works tirelessly to provide resources and create programs that support the mental health of our EMS professionals, ensuring they have the care they need to continue serving our community. Read the full WHYY article to learn more about our efforts and the impact of this initiative. How a Montgomery County ambulance service is fighting burnout among EMTs – WHYY

VMSC Emergency Medical Services is thrilled to announce a $2.4 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program. In partnership with Montgomery Township and Beyond Lucid Technologies, this initiative will benefit all the municipalities VMSC proudly serves across Montgomery County, strengthening regional roadway safety and advancing post-crash care. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Montgomery Township and each of the municipalities we serve for their unwavering support, as well as the Montgomery County Commissioners and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for their commitment to this collaborative effort. This project demonstrates the strength of regional partnerships in addressing critical safety challenges and ensuring equitable care for all. The program will enhance safety and care across the communities VMSC serves by: Improving Roadway Safety: Implementing technologies like emergency vehicle transponder systems to prevent crashes and protect vulnerable roadway users. Advancing Post-Crash Care: Using platforms to deliver critical health information to responders, ensuring timely and effective assistance. Engaging Communities: Conducting outreach and stakeholder engagement to build a comprehensive, community-inclusive safety framework. “This initiative reflects the collective dedication of our municipalities, county leaders, and regional partners to creating safer, healthier communities,” said Shane Wheeler, CEO of VMSC EMS. “We are honored to extend the benefits of this program to every resident and visitor we serve.” VMSC EMS remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration to ensure safer streets and effective emergency response for all.

With a steadfast commitment to a “Community-First” approach, we prioritize the well-being of those we serve in every aspect of our operations. We recently received the following message from a community member and couldn’t be more proud of our passionate VMSC EMS crews. “I wanted to make you aware of a great interaction I had the pleasure of witnessing yesterday, Thursday 9/5, between VMSC Paramedic A. Gomez (Arnaldo?), LCT PC Nurse, and our PC resident requiring a transfer to GVH following a fall.   [Your crew] who responded to the 911 call at about 7:20 AM yesterday were very professional, polite and interacted with care and compassion to our PC resident who had fallen in her room and was in severe pain due to what our nurse suspected (and later confirmed) was a fractured right hip.  Both team members were calm, asked appropriate questions, and informed the resident of the care they were providing.  The interaction with both the night shift nurse and our day shift nurse was pleasant, respectful and demonstrated a collaboration of care in the best interest of the resident.   I would like to thank you and your team for the care and compassion shown to this resident who unfortunately passed away this morning.  I conveyed to the resident’s family that the care that the VMSC team provided was comforting to her and she was even joking with them.  The resident’s family expressed their gratitude to your team also.    Kudos to you and your team on a fantastic interaction with the needs of the resident being a priority and the collaboration of the team going smoothly and seamlessly!”

In last week’s episode of the We Are Montgomery Township podcast, VMSC’s Chief Shane Wheeler participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by Township Manager Carolyn McCreary. In this episode, Chief Wheeler, along with Police Chief J. Scott Bendig and Fire Chief Bill Wiegman, explored the challenges facing Montgomery Township’s police, fire, and EMS services, including recruitment, retention, and adapting to the evolving needs of the community. To hear how these first responders work collaboratively to protect and serve Montgomery Township, click the link below:  https://rss.com/podcasts/monttwp/1652753

PHILADELPHIA, PA – VMSC Emergency Medical Services (VMSC) and Burholme First Aid Corps announced their merger effective January 1, 2025. This strategic union is designed to enhance access to advanced life support emergency medical and mobile health services in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, ensuring sustainable, innovative, and high-quality care for all communities served. Together, these two respected non-profit organizations, each with deep roots and nearly a century of service, are committed to expanding access to emergency medical and mobile health services and maintaining their shared mission of putting patients and communities first. Both VMSC and Burholme First Aid Corps have a longstanding history of delivering exceptional care and community service. VMSC, established in 1933, has been a key provider of specialty Advanced Life Support (ALS) services to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jefferson Health Network in Philadelphia and a dedicated 911 emergency medical service for 11 Montgomery County Municipalities. Burholme, founded the same year, has served Philadelphia with a strong commitment to “Not for Self but for Others,” providing essential EMS services and fostering local EMS education and community paramedicine programs. This merger builds on the common values, geographic proximity, and shared missions of both organizations to create a stronger, more sustainable EMS provider for the region. “This merger represents a powerful alignment of our organizations’ strengths and values,” said Shane Wheeler, CEO of VMSC. “By bringing together our expertise, resources, and commitment to innovation, we are not only preserving but enhancing our service lines in both Montgomery County and Philadelphia. The community can rest assured that there will be no reduction in services. Instead, we are expanding our capabilities, particularly in Philadelphia, where we will build on Burholme’s proud legacy by providing increased access to Advanced Life Support services.” The merger will allow VMSC to broaden its ALS and mobile health services across Philadelphia, extending its specialty care expertise and advanced clinical technologies to more neighborhoods and healthcare facilities. This expansion will complement Burholme’ s deep ties within Philadelphia, furthering its mission by leveraging VMSC’s operational capabilities, clinical advancements, and robust service infrastructure. Together, the combined organization will focus on innovation in EMS delivery, incorporating new technologies and approaches to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Tim Hinchcliff, Executive Director of Burholme First Aid Corps, expressed his confidence in the merger: “Joining forces with VMSC is a natural evolution for Burholme. Both of our organizations share a deep commitment to our communities and to the core values of service, compassion, and excellence in care. This partnership enables us to expand the impact we’ve had in Philadelphia, ensuring our community continues to receive the highest quality of care, backed by VMSC’s advanced resources and capabilities.” About VMSC and Burholme First Aid Corps: VMSC Emergency Medical Services, established in 1933, is dedicated to providing comprehensive emergency medical care across Montgomery County, Bucks County, Philadelphia County, and Tobyhanna Army Depot, with a focus on compassionate, professional service and clinical excellence. Burholme First Aid Corps, also founded in 1933, has a rich history of serving the Philadelphia community, emphasizing EMS education, community paramedicine, and partnerships with local healthcare providers. Together, these organizations are committed to enhancing emergency medical and mobile health services, supporting their communities, and ensuring a sustainable future for EMS in the region.