Pa. EMS Company Optimistic for the Future
March 09--Seneca Area Emergency Services members say they feel hopeful about the future of the nonprofit ambulance service.
Bill Alexander, an Oakmont native and member of Seneca EMS for 10 years, took the reins in January after previously serving as assistant chief.
"We've come from having some financial problems to being a sound institution," said Alexander, 56. "We pulled up the boot straps and have no worries at this point. We are free to do our jobs."
Seneca EMS is housed at 1885 Main St. in Sharpsburg. Founded in 1995 when Etna and Sharpsburg EMS organizations combined operations, Seneca EMS now serves Sharpsburg, Indiana Township and Etna with emergency and non-emergency transports, rescues, fire ground operations and training programs.
Most recently, some staff members trained Aspinwall police in the use of Narcan, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.
There are 18 paid staff members who respond to about 2,200 calls each year.
Erik Kulick of Aspinwall has worked there more than two years as Alexander's primary shift partner. "I think he'll bring focus to the station and our mission," Kulick said of Alexander.
He said he believes Alexander's intentions to better supply the crew with equipment and training will help to boost morale.
"We're eyeing a new truck, potentially," Kulick said. "That will bring us to the next level."
Alexander, a resident of Sharpsburg for six years, said he intends to focus on upgrading the fleet and adding a third ambulance, at a cost of about $135,000.
Alexander hopes to purchase the new ambulance, funded through solicitations, by the end of summer.
"We're also entertaining another location to better serve the people in the northern portion of our coverage," he said.
The team used to staff an ambulance at the Dorseyville Volunteer Fire Department, but lost the space when the fire company added an extra truck.
"We've had some challenges, but we're all moving forward," Alexander said.
Business Manager Sheri Carricato said she believes Alexander is a perfect fit to lead Seneca into the future.
"Our financials are better than ever," she said, adding that Alexander believes in the company's mission.
"He goes out of his way because he cares about the community."
Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or at tpanizzi@tribweb. com.
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