Clifton Heights declares disaster emergency over possible loss of Crozer EMS staffing

Mayor Mark Campbell read a disaster emergency proclamation and Clifton Heights Borough Council voted to adopt a resolution authorizing temporary emergency powers and flexible contracting in case Crozer Health System stops providing ambulance and paramedic services to the borough.

The declaration came after Prospect Medical Holdings, parent of Crozer, filed for bankruptcy and the borough learned Crozer’s operating changes could end or curtail ambulance and advanced life support (ALS) coverage. The resolution extends the mayoral emergency declaration and authorizes borough officers to use emergency contracting, suspend formal requirements where permitted by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Services Code, and cooperate with other public and private providers for EMS coverage.

Council adopted the resolution following the mayor’s reading. "I, Mark Campbell, mayor of the borough of Clifton Heights, do do hereby declare a disaster emergency exists for the borough of Clifton Heights," Campbell read as part of the proclamation. Borough Solicitor McLaughlin told council the declaration gives the borough flexibility to make short‑term agreements with other municipalities or private ambulance providers if Crozer discontinues service. "It will allow us to be flexible to enter into agreements with other municipalities, for providing ambulance or or paramedic services, with bridal companies, to do that, on a short term basis," McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin explained local ambulance staffing is presently arranged through an agreement in which Crozer provides staffing for the borough ambulance, while the Clifton Heights Fire Company holds the ambulance certification. He said even if Crozer stopped providing staff, ambulance and paramedic responses likely would continue through other providers but that response times and available resources could be stretched.

Council member John Fagioli moved to adopt the resolution and John Gorman seconded. The council approved the motion by roll call; all voting members present voted yes. The resolution, as explained by the solicitor, allows the borough to act quickly on contracts, employment and mutual aid as needed during the emergency period; the mayor’s original proclamation remains in effect for seven days unless the council extends it, and the resolution would extend emergency authority for up to 100 days unless ended sooner by council.

The solicitor and mayor said planning conversations were already under way with the fire company, police, neighboring municipalities and private providers to prepare contingency agreements. Council offered no fiscal estimate for any replacement services in the meeting record.

Council members and borough staff said they would continue coordinating with Delaware County emergency partners and monitor developments with Prospect Medical Holdings and Crozer Health.