East Deer opts into exploratory committee to save Eureka ambulance service

While the clock is ticking on the potential closing of Eureka Community Ambulance Service in Tarentum, another of the municipalities it covers has joined an effort to save the ailing EMS.

East Deer commissioners on Wednesday opted into an exploratory committee that will research the formation of an ambulance authority.

“This is just the beginning, and we voted to opt into discussions,” said Commissioner Rick Stoneburner, the board’s vice president.

An authority, if approved, would act similarly to a taxing or billing body. It would distribute the cost of emergency medical services among municipalities that sign on.

Eureka covers Brackenridge, East Deer, Fawn, Frazer and Tarentum.

The move would take the financial burden off Eureka and distribute it across participating communities.

Tarentum and Brackenridge councils have signed on to the study. Fawn’s township supervisors next meet July 9.

Frazer Supervisor Lori Ziencik said her board is “waiting to see what the cost may be and how the cost would be distributed.”

Frazer supervisors meet Tuesday.

Frazer’s population of about 1,160 people makes up about 10% of Eureka’s coverage area.

The five municipalities have a combined population of more than 12,000, which donates a total of $41,000 a year to the ambulance service.

Eureka’s budget is $110,000 — but that doesn’t include the payroll for its 14 staff members.

Officials announced in May that the 88-year-old EMS would close or significantly curtail services without increased donations.

Eureka Chief Brad James said insurance reimbursements are the main culprit behind its dire finances, though it’s not a problem unique to Eureka.

Insurance reimburses on average 30% to 60% of the cost for treating and transporting patients. When Eureka provides a $900 service, it might get back $52 from insurance, James said.

Insufficient municipal support and staffing woes also are a problem.

Across the region, several ambulance services have been forced out of business. Seneca Area in Indiana Township closed in January after 28 years, and Jeannette EMS closed after 63 years.

In Pennsylvania, municipalities are required to ensure the provision of EMS services whether through paid staff, volunteers, contracted services or other arrangements.

Stoneburner will serve on the exploratory committee for East Deer, along with board President Tony Taliani.

The group will develop a plan, explore funding and report progress regularly to their respective councils.

When asked what the township might do if Eureka is forced to close, Stoneburner said commissioners are working to avoid that.

“We’re hoping that doesn’t happen,” he said. “We want to find a long-term solution.”