Williamsport, Pa., June 3, 2024 – 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,” said Anthony Martin, director, Pa. Department of Health. “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. 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 4th 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.

“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, Susquehanna Regional EMS, and director, Prehospital Services, UPMC in North Central Pa. “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, sr. professional paramedic, UPMC Williamsport, as their Paramedic of the Year, and Doug Parsell, sr. professional EMT II, UPMC Wellsboro, as their EMT of the Year.

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

About UPMC

UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide more than $1 billion every year in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members with a focus on providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.