Aspinwall, Fox Chapel councils approve funding boosts for Foxwall EMS

Aspinwall and Fox Chapel councils have approved increased annual contributions to the boroughs’ ambulance provider.

Foxwall EMS officials had requested $40,000 and $60,000, respectively, from the communities they serve.

Acting EMS Chief Gino Mollica said the money was necessary to boost salaries and wages for staff retention and recruitment.

“I know we have some of the best employees within the region and within EMS,” he said. “This is really to help continue to keep them and also recruit the other top-notch people.”

Foxwall has an estimated $824,000 annual operating budget with 19 paramedics and 23 EMTs on staff.

According to job search site ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for paramedics in Pennsylvania is $25, with the lowest being around $14 and the highest about $38.

ZipRecruiter also lists the average hourly wage for EMTs in the state at $20, with the lowest a little more than $10 and the highest a little more than $28.50.

Mollica said the additional monies will move his crews’ compensations slightly above the averages.

“We fall right in there,” he said about the wage ranges. “The person who shows up at your front door and treats you on the worst day of your life, or who is on that accident scene, is making $20 an hour. It’s certainly a cause for concern.

“The fact that our municipalities have said, ‘We’re going to step up and we’re going to help you guys,’ that’s beyond what we could ask for. It’s been so collaborative the last couple of months working with them on this.”

Aspinwall Council approved its funding boost May 8. Fox Chapel Council voted May 20.

The boroughs had allocated about $41,000 and $54,000, respectively, for Foxwall EMS in this year’s budgets.

Annual contributions now will be about $81,000 and $114,000, respectively, moving forward.

“Foxwall provides the highest level of prehospital emergency medical care to our residents,” Aspinwall borough Manager Melissa Lang O’Malley said via email. “Supporting them through donations and the subscription drive allow them to expand facilities, improving equipment and enhance their services.

”Aspinwall and Fox Chapel are lucky to have a local ambulance service dedicated to being the best for our communities.”

Fox Chapel Council also approved a $193,200 contribution toward the $322,000 purchase of a new ambulance, and a loan to Aspinwall of $64,400 to help with its $128,000 portion of the purchase. There is no interest on the loan.

“This is an essential service,” said Fox Chapel Council Vice President Harrison Lauer. “Foxwall is really performing a fundamental function for our community. Foxwall also has been providing ‘A-class’ service. They respond to over 2,000 calls yearly. Response times are excellent. They have a top-notch, highly trained staff.

”If Foxwall were to cease to operate or to merge, we probably would be unable to match the quality of service and certainly the cost. Our costs are very low.”

Foxwall is replacing a 2013 ambulance with a new 2024 Ford model.

Mollica said the old ambulance has a lot of electrical issues, and repair costs are draining resources. Foxwall also has a 2008 and 2021 ambulance. All three are still in service.

“We have far surpassed what we paid last year in maintenance,” the chief said. “The day to day is really taking a toll on these trucks.”

The new ambulance will be delivered through Scottdale-based Speclin Emergency Vehicle Sales & Service. It could be ready for calls in July pending inspections and approvals from EMS West.

Fox Chapel Councilman Bradley Harrison abstained from both votes. He is on the board of directors for Foxwall EMS.

Aspinwall plans to vote on its ambulance purchase contribution at its June 5 meeting.

O’Malley said the borough was able to reallocate funds for emergency services thanks to the merger of Aspinwall and Sharpsburg’s volunteer fire departments.