Seven Mountains EMS Council | What We Do

As the designated EMS Council for our Central Pennsylvania region under Pennsylvanian’s EMS Act (Act 37), Seven Mountains EMS Council is your partner in building a stronger, more effective emergency medical services system. We perform a wide range of essential program activities mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to support EMS agencies, providers, and the communities they serve.

Explore our core program areas below to understand how we work to ensure quality, sustainability, and innovation in regional EMS.

1. Agency Licensing & Compliance

We serve as the regional regulatory arm for the PA Department of Health, ensuring all EMS agencies meet state standards for safety and readiness.

  • Licensing: Processing applications for new and renewing EMS agency licenses.
  • Annual Inspections: Conducting comprehensive inspections of vehicles, equipment, drug kits, and records.
  • Investigations & Corrective Action: Assisting with complaint investigations and monitoring agency compliance plans.

2. Education & Certification

We are the central hub for EMS education in our region, supporting providers at every stage of their career.

  • Initial Training: Sponsoring and coordinating EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic certification courses.
  • Continuing Education (CE): Offering and approving the required CE courses for all levels of provider recertification.
  • Testing: Administering the state practical examinations for certification.
  • Instructor Support: Providing resources and coordination for our network of EMS educators.

3. Clinical Quality & Protocol Implementation

Our focus is on improving patient care outcomes through consistent standards and continuous review.

  • Statewide Protocols: Ensuring all providers in our region are trained on and implement the latest PA DOH EMS protocols.
  • Quality Improvement (QI) Program: Leading a regional medical QI initiative that includes patient care report (PCR) review, provider feedback, and data trending to elevate clinical performance.
  • Preceptorship: Coordinating field training programs for new Paramedics.

4. Data Management & System Performance

We turn data into actionable intelligence to guide system decisions and demonstrate value.

  • ePCR Support: Assisting agencies with the Pennsylvania statewide electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) system and data submission compliance.
  • Performance Analysis: Tracking critical system metrics like response times, level of service coverage, and call volume to identify trends, stresses, and opportunities for improvement.

5. Regional EMS System Development (REMSD) & Planning

We plan for the future and coordinate resources to address regional challenges.

  • Strategic Planning: Developing and maintaining the official Regional EMS System Plan to guide growth and address gaps.
  • Resource Coordination: Facilitating mutual aid agreements and regional resource sharing to enhance emergency response capabilities.
  • Coverage & Gap Analysis: Identifying areas with unstable EMS service and working with municipalities and agencies to develop sustainable solutions.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Collaborating with county emergency management and healthcare coalitions on integrated mass casualty and disaster response planning.

6. Grants, Funding & Technical Assistance

We secure and manage resources to strengthen local EMS agencies and provide expert guidance to municipalities.

  • Grant Administration: Managing and distributing key state and federal funding streams (e.g., Act 13, EOG grants) to eligible EMS agencies for equipment, training, and operations.
  • Municipal Assistance: Providing technical guidance to local governments on their obligations and best practices for ensuring reliable EMS service for their residents.
  • Information Clearinghouse: Serving as the primary source for updates from the PA DOH, changes in regulations, and critical industry information.

Our Mission in Action: Through these interconnected program areas, Seven Mountains EMS Council fulfills its mission to support, stabilize, and advance the emergency medical services system across Central Pennsylvania. We are dedicated to ensuring that every EMS provider has the tools, knowledge, and resources they need, and that every citizen receives high-quality emergency medical care.

For more information on any of these program areas, please contact our office.