VMSC News

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.

Jefferson Lansdale Hospital and VMSC are partnering to launch a new Community Paramedicine program aimed at reducing hospital readmissions for patients with chronic conditions. This innovative program will provide in-home care and support to high-risk patients after discharge, helping them manage their health and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Early studies suggest this approach can significantly improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Read the full article on North Penn Now Community News for more details about this exciting initiative: https://northpennnow.com/news/2024/apr/24/jefferson-lansdale-hospital-vmsc-form-community-paramedicine-partnership/ Photo Credits: North Penn Now Community News

VMSC Emergency Medical Services CEO Shane Wheeler is being honored with the Patriot Award for his exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve members. Wheeler, an Army veteran himself, has been recognized for his efforts to create a supportive work environment for military personnel, including flexible scheduling and compassionate leave policies. Read the full article on North Penn Now Community News for more details about this well-deserved recognition: https://northpennnow.com/news/2024/apr/02/chief-of-vmsc-lansdale-patriot-award/ Photo Credits:North Penn Now Community News