To ensure the continuation of emergency medical services for the people of southwestern York County, Spring Grove Area Ambulance and WellSpan Health have reached an agreement for a new operational model that will create a seamless transition of ambulance services for this region.

Effective Feb. 1, 2023, the staff, equipment, and other assets of Spring Grove Area Ambulance will officially transition to becoming part of WellSpan EMS.

"WellSpan is committed to providing the highest quality emergency medical services to the residents of Spring Grove and surrounding communities whenever they are needed. Emergency ambulance services and patient transport are essential to providing exceptional emergency care," said Dr. Michael Seim, senior vice president and chief quality officer, WellSpan Health.

Staff members of Spring Grove Area Ambulance will be given the opportunity to apply for employment by WellSpan as part of the new agreement.

Since its formation in 1967, Spring Grove Area Ambulance has provided advanced life support services to residents of Spring Grove and surrounding municipalities.

"This agreement will help to ensure that area residents will continue to receive the same high quality pre-hospital emergency medical services that they have become accustomed to for more than 50 years," said Jackie Heffner, EMS Chief, Spring Grove Area Ambulance.

Over the past decade, the healthcare and ambulance services landscape has changed drastically. Health systems must continually evolve to meet the changing needs of our patients and our changing communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented stress and strain on many aspects of healthcare, including local EMS providers. Outside of the impact on the workforce, the pandemic has strained the revenue models of many ambulance services. The potential disruption or loss of services would be a significant hurdle to local communities.

As the region's most comprehensive health care provider, WellSpan continues to support the development of sustainable local EMS services across its system of care and welcomes opportunities to engage with local providers to develop these efforts.