Murrysville Medic One officials hope for strong response to subscription drive

Murrysville Medic One staff members responded to more than 15,000 calls in 2022, an average of more than 40 a day.

To continue that level of service, they are hoping for a good response to their annual fundraising drive.

“Many residents believe in a mistaken way that they may never need the service of an ambulance, or that the local government provides emergency medical services through your tax dollars,” said Medic One spokesman Matt Stromberg.

While Medic One officials certainly have a close relationship with local governments where they operate — in Murrysville, Export, Washington Township and parts of Upper Burrell — they do not receive any public funding. Medic One is a nonprofit, and Stromberg said officials there are hoping to boost their subscription rate beyond the current 30% of residents.

Subscriptions are $65 per year and $35 for senior families.

“When people subscribe, Medic One is able to forgive the amount of your insurance co-pay,” Stromberg said. “That can range into the hundreds of dollars, depending on your insurance.”

Just as in many other sectors of economy, Stromberg said, costs are rising for emergency service providers.

“Costs for a fully equipped ambulance are now over $200,000,” he said. “And all EMS services are facing a shortage of personnel. … To maintain the highly trained staff that Medic One has always provided requires that we pay competitive wages and provide training opportunities.”

In addition, he said, medical insurance companies typically reimburse only about 40% of the cost of a typical ambulance run.

“We know that residents want to have a well-trained EMS staff responding, with up-to-date equipment and in a timely manner to your needs,” Stromberg said. “So when people receive their subscription notice (in the mail, we hope they) respond and subscribe.”