Montco EMT Dies While On Duty: 'This Is A Tremendous Loss'

PENNSBURG, PA — First responders and the community are mourning the death of a Montgomery County emergency medical technician who died while on duty.

Jay Miles, an EMT with Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance who was also a chaplain, suffered a stroke while responding to an emergency incident on March 13, officials announced this week.

"This is a tremendous loss to the community," Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance shared in their announcement. "For all the lives he's touched, inspired and cared for throughout the years.We'll miss your smile, laugh, compassion , care and your stories. Fish for the big one and we'll meet again someday."

The incident occurred at around 11 p.m. on March 13, when Miles and paramedic Kevin Bennett were called to respond to a local medical emergency.

Miles completed loading the patient onto the stretcher when he suffered a "severe hemorrhagic stroke," according to authorities.

Bennett quickly responded with medical aid to Miles, and called for backup. First responders evaluated Miles, and Bally Community Ambulance transported him to Lehigh Valley Hospital at Cedar Crest.

Miles underwent surgery, and was kept intubated for two weeks, but was not able to recover, Upper Pekiomen Ambulance said. He died on the morning of Sunday, April 1.

The loss sent shock waves through a first responder community that responded with mourning and well-wishes to Miles' family this week.

"Jay was always the first one to comment on our Facebook post, to stop by the station with a word of thanks and how much he appreciated us," the Marlborough Township Police Department shared. "Jay, you have impacted many lives and will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to all of Jay’s family and friends."

"Rest in Peace, EMT/FF, Chaplain Jay Miles - your brothers and sisters will take it from here," Fire Alerts of Berks County added.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.