Millcreek, PA - - Millcreek Paramedic Service (MPS) announced the addition of new, state-of-the-art LifePak 12 Heart Monitor/Defibrillators to all MPS ambulances, effective November 17. The LifePak 12’s are unique in the fact that they provide 12 lead Electrocardiogram (EKG) compared to the 3 and 4 lead technology previously seen as the industry standard. Millcreek Paramedic Service is the only ambulance service in Millcreek Township with this 12 lead EKG capability on every ambulance. The “biphasic” or two-phase technology is a more advanced EKG and allows the defibrillator to automatically measure the patient’s resistance and then adjusts accordingly, so that sufficient current reaches the heart with a gentle dose.

“At MPS we are committed to training and continuing education in order to insure our paramedics and EMTs are prepared and when we combine this with state-of-the art equipment and advanced technology we are confident Millcreek Paramedic Service can offer the best care available, according to Paramedic Jim Kifer, Operations Supervisor for MPS.

“This new equipment purchase is made possible by our Millcreek resident members. In addition to protecting their families with an MPS membership and possibly saving themselves hundreds of dollars in expenses not covered by insurance, the memberships allow MPS to maintain state-of-the-art advanced life support and ambulance service”, Paramedic Brandon Kramer, Executive Director for MPS added.

Millcreek Paramedic Service is an extension of the West Ridge, West Lake, Lake Shore, Kearsarge and Belle Valley volunteer fire departments and is dedicated to the welfare and safety of Millcreek residents all year round. MPS is the sole provider of ambulance service to Millcreek Township and the first responder dispatched with your local fire department when you dial 911. MPS also provides medical transportation on a non-emergency basis by ambulance and maintains two wheelchair vans to transport wheelchair bound patients to and from hospitals, clinics, and their residence.

MPS and Clarion Pennsylvania Strike Teams

On Monday April 24, 2006 four members of the Pennsylvania Strike Team from MPS went to Harrisburg for an organized PA EMS day for all the EMS personnel from around the Commonwealth that went to the hurricane devastated areas of Louisiana, between September 1, 2005 thru October 31, 2005. Team members include Lisa Smith, Jeff Hulings, Mike Beganics and Mike Gambatese. Pennsylvania has PEMA, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Association, which a large number of EMS services have members of Strike Teams. These teams are used primarily for Emergency situations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There are times when these Strike Teams are asked to help with Emergency situations in other states. The day started off with members of the three Pennsylvania Strike Teams being recognized for their service and dedication for answering the call to help those in other areas of the country and giving up at least two weeks of their time. There were approximately 256 EMS personnel involved in the six week deployment. The group was then taken to the Capitol Building to be recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. After we were recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives, the teams were all met by their respective Representatives. To conclude the day, there was a press conference held with Governor Ed Rendell. This day was for the recognition of all EMS personnel who have dedicated their lives for the betterment and comfort of other people. Especially for the team members who were called up for deployment from Pennsylvania to the hurricane ravaged areas of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and other areas of Louisiana.

MPS Team Members with Gov. Ed Rendell

MPS Team Members with Rep. Matt Good

MPS & Clarion Strike Teams with Rep. Teresa Forcier

MPS Team Members at the State Capitol

MPS Team Members with Strike Team Leader Amos Cameron