PO Box 174, Bushkill, Pa 18324
Thank you to Pyramid Healthcare
Donation Received
Our Stroudsburg branch proudly donated $900 to Bushkill Emergency Corps, a nonprofit EMS team committed to delivering skilled, compassionate pre-hospital care to Monroe County residents and visitors. We're grateful for the life-saving work they do in their community!
Bushkill Emergency Corps extends our heartfelt gratitude to Meier Supply Co. for their kind donation.
About Us
Bushkill Emergency Corps Origin:
Bushkill Emergency Corps Origin:
We started as a small volunteer organization in 1965 and have grown as our community has. We currently cover over 400 square miles in Monroe County and handle over 3,000 calls yearly. Our coverage area includes Middle Smithfield Township, Smithfield Township, Porter Township, and portions of Price Township. Our main stations are on Winona
We started as a small volunteer organization in 1965 and have grown as our community has. We currently cover over 400 square miles in Monroe County and handle over 3,000 calls yearly. Our coverage area includes Middle Smithfield Township, Smithfield Township, Porter Township, and portions of Price Township. Our main stations are on Winona Falls Road, behind Foxmoor Village, and in the Village Center in Marshalls Creek Complex.
EMS, It's Own Emergency
Bushkill Emergency Corps Origin:
I have been in EMS (the Emergency Medical Services) for a long time. I mean a really long time. I’m beginning my 50th year, and believe me, the changes I have seen have been lifesaving and dramatic. Gone are the days when someone called for an ambulance, and the phone tree was started to find a couple of people available to drive to the
I have been in EMS (the Emergency Medical Services) for a long time. I mean a really long time. I’m beginning my 50th year, and believe me, the changes I have seen have been lifesaving and dramatic. Gone are the days when someone called for an ambulance, and the phone tree was started to find a couple of people available to drive to the ambulance station, respond to the call, swoop up the patient and drive real fast to the hospital, and hope that was good enough to have someone survive.
Recently in testimony in Harrisburg, Heather Sharar, Executive Director of the Ambulance Association of PA told legislators, “Ambulance transports are more than “just a ride”. You are receiving a mobile (emergency room). It is not just the gas for the ride to the hospital. It is care. It is medical monitoring, treatment, and observation. It is a lifesaving resource that, unfortunately, nobody wants to pay for.”
In the September issue of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, an article appeared, “EMS in Crisis, Townships are on the Front Lines to Preserve Local Agencies”. The article notes that EMS providers across the Commonwealth are sounding the alarm over issues threatening the service as it operates. State regulations, a lack of a steady funding stream, and dwindling numbers of volunteers and staff consistently rise to the top of the list.
The article cites that the EMS crisis didn’t sprout up overnight and there’s no simple fix. Residents consider it an essential service and expect trained personnel ready to respond when they call 9-1-1. Municipalities are on the front lines in the battle to ensure that EMS remains a community service.
The article highlights the two most pressing issues with EMS, no surprise that the same two issues affect virtually every organization, personnel and money. A quote from Phillip Beck of East Pennsboro Ambulance service highlights what many of us in EMS have
been saying for years, “EMS doesn’t close. You can’t tell your residents, ‘Sorry, don’t’ call
9-1-1. We need a break’.”
Today, attracting young people or those of any age into EMS is often seen as a stepping stone into other careers. Often, it is for a resume for medical school, nursing school, or many other careers. Hence, the shortage of trained personnel to serve as 9-1-1 EMS providers.
Today the cost of becoming an EMT is upwards of $1,000 and the cost of the necessary book is $600 more. To become a Paramedic, the cost can range from $7,000 to $25,000 and takes at least a year’s experience as an EMT and then another 6 or 8 months to a year to complete the course then to take the test for certification. The cost alone is one of the reasons that most agencies only have career personnel.
The costs associated with ambulance services have skyrocketed. As the article points out, from gloves to gurneys (stretchers), it’s expensive. An outfitted ambulance can start at $200,000. A service must still pay for insurance, supplies, buildings as well as the personnel.
A common misconception is that insurance payments will carry the cost of operations. Ambulance services bill clients and their insurance companies for services, which is the main source of income for EMS. According to one EMS leader, insurance reimbursements and copays often go unaddressed, but those payments account for a large percentage of their budgets.
“Every time an ambulance responds to a 911 call, the average cost is $750, “(An). The average transport bill is $1,185 or more. (The) Average net amount collected from insurance is 38%. If a patient does not have insurance, or refuses to pay their bill, an EMS agency basically has provided a free service.” According to an EMS manager. He also noted Medicare and Medicaid also don’t cover much of the cost per ambulance transport.
In testimony in Harrisburg before the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Joe Gerdes, director of government relations for PSATS said that funding is a challenge. He told the committee “To address funding, new revenue raising options would be helpful and enhance a municipality’s ability to help pay for EMS and other emergency services.”
“For example, PSATS members would like to increase the amount of the ambulance tax they could currently levy under the Second Class Township Code from 0.5 to 1.5 mils. These revenues could only be used to support ambulance companies that service their townships.”
The article continues to address other issues like mandates on training, staffing and other licensure related issues as well as insurance reimbursements. But the most telling lines were the closing ones. “The current EMS crisis only looks to get worse if immediate action is not taken ... action that requires all stakeholders to work together to find viable solutions. If not, a call to 9-1-1, rather than being met with “9-1-1 what’s your emergency?” may be met with silence.
Thank You for Serving!
This year, Bushkill Emergency Corps celebrates 58 years of serving the residents of Middle Smithfield Township. We recognize those who have served our community each year with an Annual November Awards Dinner.
The dinner provides the Board of Directors and the Management Team (all volunteers) an opportunity to recognize the providers who
This year, Bushkill Emergency Corps celebrates 58 years of serving the residents of Middle Smithfield Township. We recognize those who have served our community each year with an Annual November Awards Dinner.
The dinner provides the Board of Directors and the Management Team (all volunteers) an opportunity to recognize the providers who serve our community in either their capacity as a volunteer and/or career provider. It is a time to thank each one for their commitment and dedication to the well-being of their patients. Bushkill Emergency Corps recognizes volunteer contributions at the two-year, five-year, and five-year incremental marks.
This year, Board member Debbie Boyle will be recognized for two years of volunteer service to the organization. Her CPA background provides a significant amount of guidance to the organization. As the newest member of the Board of Directors, Debbie joined the following volunteer Directors: Ed Regina (Chairman), Albert Murray, Jr., Zerla Bartolome, Gil Coronado, Leon Prince, Gail Kulick, and Juliette Ryan-Caines. Each Board member brings a particular background to the organization, contributing to its long-term commitment to the community.
The Corps will recognize two long-serving individuals from the same family. Both Nancy Felmly and Raymond Felmly, Jr. will be recognized for their service of 30 years to the organization. Nancy joins her husband, Ray, who was recognized last year for 50 years in the service of EMS (Emergency Medical Services), with 30 years being in the service of Bushkill Emergency Corps. Raymond, Jr. started as a high school student, became an Emergency Medical Technician, then became a Paramedic, and now serves the community as a Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse. As we say, EMS is a gateway to many careers in the medical field.
Saving lives is what those who are passionate about their service in EMS are motivated to achieve. This year, six CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation) save pins were awarded. Saving a life requires the skills and training that the providers have; quite frankly, it doesn’t happen daily. There are always challenges that can prevent a “save.” Still, the following six providers achieved that life-saving opportunity: Paramedic Jahaira Miranda Reyes, EMTs Rose Rizzo, Nancy Felmly, Ray Felmly, Wilfredo Crespo, and Connor Dolan. Congratulations to each one! Through their knowledge and dedication, two loved ones returned to their families!
This past year, Bushkill Emergency Corps reinstated its Paramedic school scholarship program. The scholarship recipient was Paramedic Joseph Bolger, who received in addition to the Bushkill Emergency Corps funds, an award of the Favini Paramedic Scholarship, which combined covered most of the program's cost. Completing the Paramedic program takes more than 12 months. Completing the certification is a real achievement. Bushkill also looks forward to providing a second scholarship for the 2024 paramedic program.
President Debbie Kulick and Captain Jonathon Kulick-Cummings handle the organization's day-to-day management. Still, the most crucial part of the administration and operations is overseen by the Corps’ Primary Medical Director, Dr. Peter Favini. Dr. Favini volunteers his time as Medical Director and serves as the guiding light for patient treatment and the providers' skills. He has donated his time, knowledge, and skills since 1992, when the organization officially became an Advanced Life Support provider to the community. Today, he is joined by Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono’s Dr. Colleen Kennedy as a secondary Medical Director for the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Finally, a sincere thank you to all those who support Bushkill Emergency Corps through your subscriptions and attendance at our fundraising events, and a special thank you to the Middle Smithfield Township Supervisors for their continued support of the organization! Truly we couldn’t provide the services without this solid support.
5th Annual Gala
Bushkill Emergency Corps invites our community to join us at our 5 th Annual Gala on Saturday,
October 26 th at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort in Shawnee-on-Delaware. This event is a major
fundraising event for the organization and always promises to provide a wonderful night of
dinner, dancing and live floor show entertainment.
This year’s th
Bushkill Emergency Corps invites our community to join us at our 5 th Annual Gala on Saturday,
October 26 th at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort in Shawnee-on-Delaware. This event is a major
fundraising event for the organization and always promises to provide a wonderful night of
dinner, dancing and live floor show entertainment.
This year’s theme is a tribute to Ole Blue Eyes himself with some Rat Pack melodies too. An
audience requested favorite, Vincent Romano will entertain with a show filled with Sinatra
favorites and perhaps a tune or two made famous by his Rat Pack buddies! As always, a live
floor show makes this event standout!
D.J. Keith Karkut will spin sounds that will invite you to the dance floor. All this following a
wonderful dinner buffet featuring Italian delights and scrumptious desserts. Cocktail hour
precedes the meal and there is time to take a gander at the Silent Auction items up for bid.
Early bird reservations and payments are $60 per person and are in effect until October 21.
Thereafter $65 per person. Discounts are available for tables of 8 or more.
To make your reservation, mail your check to: Bushkill Emergency Corps, PO Box 174,
Bushkill, PA 18324. PayPal reservations are also accepted. Please include the name of the party and
number attending.
Business sponsorships are available as well, Platinum Sponsorship $1,000 with 5 reserved seats
included. Other sponsorships include: Gold $775 with 3 reserved seats, Silver $475 with 2
reserved seats and Bronze $250, as with all other sponsorships includes logo in all marketing,
including program, flyers, event banner and social media notice. Program advertisements are
available from $100 (full page) $75 (half page), business card $25.
For more information, to make reservations, or become a sponsor, contact: Gil Coronado at
201-753-0093, email Debbie Kulick at: deborahakulick@gmail.com or call 570-223-1906 (leave
a message if we are not there and we will call back). Join us in supporting Bushkill Emergency
Corps celebrating 59 years of service to the residents and visitors to our community! Hope to
see you there!