Lansdowne Citizens Keep Narberth Ambulance Staff Busy Since its Move

Lansdowne, PA…When Lansdowne Fire Company officially welcomed Narberth Ambulance EMT staff into building to provide 911 emergency medical services, nobody would have guessed that a mass evacuation at nearby Grace Court would be one of their first major 911 calls. Without pause, the 79-year-old provider of skilled pre-hospital emergency care and medical transportation deployed its Special Services 313 Bus, and the Narberth Ambulance team delivered 23 Grace Court senior citizens – many in wheelchairs – from a gas leak incident to safety.

And that was just one notable 911 call of the 334 received since Narberth Ambulance’s 24/7/365 staffing contract with the fire department commenced on September 17.

Since its physical move into Lansdowne Fire Company’s building and its ambulances, Narberth Ambulance’s EMT team has kept busy with cardiac arrests, baby deliveries, vehicular accidents and a lot more.

While Lansdowne Fire Company’s contract with Narberth Ambulance calls for filling the staffing void for Basic Life Support (BLS) left by its previous BLS provider, Narberth Ambulance’s EMT team brings to its role an Advanced Life Support (ALS) mindset. As a result, EpiPens, albuterol breathing systems, CPAP machines, glucometers and Narcan treatments have been added to Lansdowne Fire Company’s ambulances.

“We now have the best ambulance service in the area and we could not be happier with this partnership,” said Borough Council President Benjamin Hover.

This sentiment is echoed by Lansdowne Fire Company President Michael Boyce. “We are so fortunate that Borough Council made a commitment to the residents of Lansdowne to allow the fire company to bring Narberth Ambulance into our community.”

The decision to contract with Narberth Ambulance was preceded by some tough days for Lansdowne Fire Company. Last year, its longstanding EMS provider- under the new management of a health system - changed the terms of its long-standing relationship to conditions that were untenable.

In March of 2023, Lansdowne Fire Company received further notice from the health system that EMT services would end in 180 days if they did not reach a deal. Surrounding fire companies received the same letter, creating a predicament that left many municipalities struggling.

Lansdowne Fire Company sprung into research mode and “determined that contracting with Narberth Ambulance would be the most responsible choice going forward,” stated a communique from the Borough. Borough Council through its support behind this recommendation and agreed to fund it.

Since then, ambulance calls are exceeding initial projections. In fact, beyond the Borough, citizens in Darby, Clifton Heights, Yeadon and Upper Darby have also received life-saving services from Narberth Ambulance EMTs, who arrive on the scene in Lansdowne Fire Company vehicles. These mutual aid calls offset some of the cost of Lansdowne’s contract with Narberth Ambulance since they yield an additional revenue stream.

“This relationship is truly evolving into a win-win for so many citizens and I am proud that our ambulance company has been selected by Lansdowne Borough and Fire Company to be a part of it,” said Narberth Ambulance Chief Chris Flanagan.