Penn. Township Officials Address EMS Criticism

Sept. 02--The Springettsbury Township board of supervisors on Friday addressed the apparent concerns its residents have about ongoing contract negotiations with Emergency Medical Service workers.

The township has been in negotiations with Teamsters Local 776 since June 2011, according to a news release. Eight of the 34 employees covered in the contract work for the township's EMS.

"As negotiations continue, we the board of supervisors felt it was important for you to know the facts about the ambulance service that the township is providing," the release states.

The board said it has made up for three recent vacancies through a mutual aid agreement with Memorial Hospital and overtime. The vacancies were due to retirements and attrition, but that that has not affected the level of service, according to the release.

The board also said that the EMS staff working 36 or more consecutive hours includes rest and sleep during periods when there are no calls to respond to, and that the long shifts have only been used occasionally, the release states.

"As our contract negotiations continue, you may hear more accusations and criticisms designed to undermine your confidence in public safety as provided by Springettsbury EMS," the release reads. "Rest assured that the board of supervisors remains committed to providing the best possible emergency services at a reasonable cost to the township."

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