By Leila Merrill
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Thursday a $25 million relief package intended to help Pennsylvania’s EMS agencies recoup losses incurred during the pandemic, the Item reported.
The funds could cover the costs of employee overtime, protective gear and sterilizing equipment, for example.
“This legislation was the outstanding piece of the puzzle needed to ensure Pennsylvanians can continue to receive quality care for emergency health issues and life-saving procedures,” Wolf said in a statement.
Heather Sharar, executive director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, expressed gratitude.
“EMS was in crisis before the coronavirus struck us,” she said. “Now, EMS is at their most vulnerable, and we need the help.”
The bill’s main sponsor, state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland, said, “they are still struggling. This is a Band-Aid. This will help them get through,”
Potential recipients must send a report to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by July 30 stating how the funds are used.