Upper Darby allocates million to hire a Drexel Hill company for EMS services, ending a decades-long partnership with Crozer.
In a significant development for emergency medical services in Delaware County, a Drexel Hill ambulance company is set to assume operations in Upper Darby starting Monday. This transition follows the decision by Crozer Health to phase out its EMS services, which it has provided free of charge to various municipalities in the county for many years.
Prospect Medical Holdings, which recently received bankruptcy court approval to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center, has managed a substantial portion of Delaware County’s EMS incidents. Last year, Crozer was responsible for approximately half of the EMS calls in the region. Under the newly authorized closure plan, all EMS services will not cease until May 2, though some operations may extend beyond this date. The reduction in available EMS resources could place additional strain on emergency response times as municipalities scramble to find alternative solutions.
Upper Darby, one of the largest and most populous townships in Delaware County, has opted to partner with STAT EMS Medical Transport, a local company that will provide emergency medical services starting next week. Under this agreement, Upper Darby is committed to spending more than million over the next two years to ensure the availability of at least two advanced life support units and one basic life support unit around the clock.
The decision to forge this partnership was made unilaterally by Upper Darby Mayor Edward Brown, who exercised his emergency powers. However, the township council is expected to review and approve any needed amendments to the budget in order to fund this new arrangement. This collaboration is seen by municipal officials as essential for sustaining the health and safety of residents.
The township leadership is also exploring other avenues to manage EMS costs. For months, the Upper Darby Council has been attempting to pass a 1% income tax to bolster township revenues, with another vote scheduled next month. There is hope that potential funding from county or state sources may assist in absorbing the financial burden of the new EMS contract.
Despite STAT EMS’s focus on Upper Darby, ambulances will still respond to calls outside the township as necessary. Meanwhile, while the 911 dispatch service will remain operational, municipalities will need to consider contracting for additional emergency vehicles and staffing to fill the void left by Crozer’s departure.
As discussions continue around regional collaboration and potential cost-sharing strategies for emergency services, officials are emphasizing the importance of safeguarding resident well-being during this transitional period. With proactive measures in place, local authorities aim to reassure the community that emergency medical care will remain accessible and responsive in the face of impending changes.
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