Good Fellowship EMS approved for direct patient transport to behavioral health facilities

The Borough of West Chester held a government meeting on July 9, 2025, focusing on public safety and emergency response initiatives. Chief of Police and Deputy Chief Justin Robbins provided updates on the borough's emergency response efforts and new protocols aimed at improving care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

Chief Robbins addressed inquiries from community leaders regarding changes in response strategies since June, affirming that the department is maintaining its current course of planning and training. He emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences to avoid future missteps, stating, "We're headed in the right direction."

Deputy Chief Robbins reported a record-setting month in June, with 788 emergency dispatches, 173 of which occurred within the borough. He highlighted a concerning trend: an increase in calls related to emotional disorders, which has become the third most frequent type of call across the municipalities served by their agency.

In a significant development, Good Fellowship EMS has become the first agency in Pennsylvania approved to transport behavioral health patients directly to Haven Behavioral Hospital, rather than to emergency rooms. This new protocol, effective July 1, aims to provide more appropriate care for individuals in crisis. Robbins noted that this initiative will be trialed for several months, with hopes of expanding it throughout Chester County.

Robbins also discussed the extensive training that EMS personnel undergo to handle behavioral health emergencies, including Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and annual behavioral health training. He stressed the importance of providing proper care to patients, stating that transporting them to emergency rooms often does not meet their needs and can divert resources from those requiring medical attention.

The meeting concluded with a mention of an upcoming introduction of a police social worker, Jamie Weiss, who is expected to enhance the borough's approach to public safety and community support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the borough's commitment to improving public safety through innovative approaches to emergency response and mental health care. The new transport protocol for behavioral health patients represents a proactive step towards addressing the growing needs of the community.