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.
