
About EMS West
EMS West is a nonprofit (501.C.3) corporation that provides technical and financial assistance to the development of a coordinated emergency medical services system primarily throughout 16 counties in western Pennsylvania.
Within its region, EMS West is responsible for:
- Licensure of Ambulances
- Training and Credentialing of EMS Personnel
- Accreditation of Medical Command Hospitals and Other Medical Command Facilities
- Accreditation of Training Institutes
- Quality Assurance within the EMS Community
- Public Information and Education
- Data Collection Regarding EMS Activities
We perform a dual role. We represent the interests of the Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we represent the interests of both the general public and the EMS / Emergency Response community to the Department of Health.
Additionally, we offer to the EMS community a major training conference, “EMS Update“, every year in March. We also host various activities to recognize the contributions made by EMS personnel.
Our office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please note that EMS West follows the state holiday schedule.

HONOR GUARD
The Western PA EMS Honor Guard is a unified group of EMS Agencies, presenting a highly disciplined team serving with honor, pride, respect and dignity at ceremonial functions which include funeral services and community events

Resources for EMS Professionals
You can access DOH EMS Information Bulletins, News, the EMS Job Board, regional documents and forms as well as Resources/Links of interest.
2020 EMS West Annual Report
EMS West Debuts New Website
EMS West is proud to debut a new and improved website. This website contains information relating to many of the frequently asked...
Interim Recommendations for EMS Systems and 911 PSAP/ECCs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
This guidance applies to all medical first responders, including fire services, emergency medical services, and emergency management...
Act 17 of 2020 BLS Ambulance Staffing Exception
Act 17 of 2020 amended the EMS System Act to permit the Department of Health to grant exceptions to the ambulance staffing standard for...