NEW PA FLAG FLIES AT GREATER VALLEY EMS

It’s been almost a year in the making, but state-wide EMS providers now have a unified symbol with which to honor their profession.  The official EMS flag for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania design was a stakeholder-driven process through the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council.  The final design was selected by a majority vote of field providers across the Commonwealth through internet polls.

 The timeliness of the flag’s release is significant in that it corresponds with the recent passing of the EMS System Act 37.  This new act is designed to improve and enhance response to 911 emergencies by adopting national education standards and clearly defining the role played by the state Department of Health and the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.   

 In a recent PADOH release, Senator Lisa Baker, the bill's primary sponsor, expressed her feelings regarding the new EMS Act.  She noted, "Time is the critical factor in emergency response. Anything that costs precious moments - confusion, conflict, antiquated procedures - increases peril. Proper preparation saves time and saves lives," Baker said. "This new law will ensure that the standards are as up-to-date as the technology and the training."

Greater Valley EMS is the first local EMS agency to display the flag.  “We are proud to fly a symbol that unites all of us in the EMS community,” remarks Pamela Mott, NREMT-P and Executive Director of GVEMS. “The recognition and respect that this new symbol shows our providers is overdue.” 

The new Commonwealth’s EMS Flag is currently on display out front of Greater Valley EMS, 904 N. Lehigh Ave, Sayre, PA.