By David Hurst
The Tribune-Democrat
SOMERSET, Pa. – Since becoming Somerset Area Ambulance Association’s chief four years ago, John Jordan has led an effort that put 75 portable defibrillators in homes, restaurants and businesses countywide.
He’s worked with local schools to ramp up CPR training, updates ambulances and joined his staff on emergency calls across a 600-square-mile area, responders said.
Jordan was recognized for it all Thursday.
As he entered the association’s Wood Duck Road station, Jordan was greeted with the 2025 David J. Lindstrom EMS Innovation Award and a standing ovation from members of his local staff, state colleagues and his family.
“This,” Jordan said, as he entered the door, “was completely unexpected.”
Unexpected – but no less deserving, Pennsylvania Director of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of EMS Anthony Martin said.
Jordan has served as chief through a period EMS agencies statewide are facing increased challenges to attract and retain employees. Call volumes have risen in recent years while funding challenges have also grown.
Still, Jordan has found ways not just to ensure his 55-employee department is answering calls around the clock, but also embracing new technology and the community itself, Martin said.
That doesn’t just include CPR training, but also events promoting EMS careers, Martin said.
He praised Jordan’s “unwavering dedication” to the job and his community.
Dr. Alvin Wang, who serves as Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council President, said Jordan’s accomplishments over just four years are “a powerful reminder” that when communities invest in their EMS agencies – and their staffs – it doesn’t just support a system.
“We’re strengthening the foundations of health, safety and wellness for all,” he added.
Somerset Area Ambulance includes three stations that serve a combined 25 communities in Somerset County, stretching from the Boswell area south to Addison Township, as well as a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Donegal. Its Confluence station also serves a section of nearby Fayette County, Jordan said.
Nearly 550 of its 600 square miles encompass Somerset County.
Jordan said many of his outreach efforts are simply broader ways to deliver on Somerset Area Ambulance’s core mission – saving lives in their community.
“The data shows that early CPR and defibrillator use saves lives,” said Jordan, explaining why expanded CPR and AED device availability are so important. “Especially in rural areas. When someone calls for aid, the average response time is 14 minutes – and it could be 45 minutes if a house is (very remote).”
When brain function is at risk, every second matters, Jordan said.
“Part of what we’re trying to do is educate the community about that. My 7-year-old son can operate a defibrillator safely, and they can, too,” he said.
Every church or business that adds a device can be linked into the PulsePoint app’s network of maps that can alert people where to quickly find a portable defibrillator in a time of need, he added.
The way I look at it ... we have to educate the community,” Jordan said.
Martin said most EMS personnel are “humble” and aren’t looking for accolades.
“They simply see themselves as doing their job. But they sacrifice a lot ... putting themselves in challenging situations to deliver healthcare to people before they get to (a hospital),” Martin said.
And the EMS industry, in general, needs to do more to bring awareness to success stories worth sharing, not to mention educate the community about the role stations like Somerset Area Ambulance serve each day.
“I don’t think many people recognize the care EMS agencies provide – how much it costs or the challenges volunteer-based workforces face today,” Martin said. “We have to do a better job sharing our stories because otherwise communities can take us for granted.”
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