Susquehanna Regional EMS (SREMS), UPMC in North Central Pa.’s prehospital team, has been selected as the 2024 Pennsylvania Agency of the Year (Large Agency Division) by the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC).

“This award honors an EMS agency with a volume of more than 5,000 calls annually for their contribution to the development and growth of quality prehospital care within their community by demonstrating a consistent pattern of timely care delivery, working cooperatively with surrounding EMS agencies, and by supporting professional development activities for its providers,” Anthony Martin, director, state Department of Health, said, according to a news release announcing the award. “The awards nominations process is peer driven — individuals and agencies are nominated each year based on their extraordinary service to the community and Pennsylvania’s EMS system.”

SREMS responded to approximately 20,000 calls in 2023, including 911 emergencies and nonemergent interfacility transfers, according to the news release.

Additionally, SREMS has completed over 13,000 hours of community benefit support that same year, including coverage for the Little League World Series events, Williamsport’s Fourth of July celebration and the Lycoming County Fair. The agency also educates providers and the public with programs like UPMC’s Minutes Matter and Stop the Bleed.

Through partnership with Susquehanna Health Foundation, 100 AEDs, 100 bleed control kits and 100 packages of Narcan have been donated.

On top of it all, SREMS encourages personal and professional growth for their team — in 2023, four staff earned bachelor of science degrees, two earned master’s degrees and seven obtained IBSC Critical Care certifications, the release said.

“Our team has a lot to be proud of. This award embodies their hard work, dedication and commitment they bring to the job every day,” said Tony Bixby, chief of Susquehanna Regional EMS and director of Prehospital Services, UPMC in North Central Pa., according to the release. “We are extremely proud and excited to share this with our staff and the communities we serve.”

SREMS took this opportunity to also recognize Ally Swartz, senior professional paramedic, UPMC Williamsport, as their Paramedic of the Year, and Doug Parsell, senior professional EMT II, UPMC Wellsboro, as their EMT of the Year, the news release added.

To learn more about Susquehanna Regional EMS, go to SREMSPA.org.