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New EMS provider VMSC reports response times, plans blood transfusion capability in Chester
Summary
VMSC, Chester's new EMS provider, reported first-10-day operational metrics including average response time of approximately 6 minutes 12 seconds and announced upcoming capabilities — including field blood transfusion capability and expanded helicopter landing coordination.
VMSC, the emergency medical services provider newly serving Chester and parts of Delaware County, presented operational data and service plans at the May 14 Chester City Council meeting.
Chief Shane Wheeler told the council that VMSC responded to 235 EMS calls over the 10-day reporting period and that the organization’s “shot time” (from alert to truck en route) averaged 49 seconds. He reported an average response time of 6 minutes 12 seconds and an average total on-scene-to-clear time of 56 minutes.
Wheeler said the provider currently staffs the contract at a higher level than required by the agreement — “currently our agreement specifies for two and a half ambulances and a chase paramedic; we actually have three and a half ambulances and a chase” — and described call types and proportions: breathing problems (29%), traffic accidents (15%), chest pain (12%) and falls (10%). The service recorded 15 cardiac incidents, three strokes, 34 trauma incidents, 13 behavioral-crisis calls and nine overdoses during the period.
Wheeler described two near-term clinical and operational changes being readied for Chester: - Field blood transfusion capability: VMSC is procuring equipment and additional blood supplies from the American Red Cross and expects to begin administering blood prehospital in the coming weeks. Wheeler said the service will be among a small number of EMS providers in Pennsylvania offering that capability. - Helicopter landing coordination: VMSC has identified seven potential landing zones across the city and is coordinating expedited processes with fire and law-enforcement partners to shorten aircraft response times when appropriate, subject to weather and helipad availability.
Wheeler emphasized concerns about prolonged hospital waits and diversion: he noted that recent prolonged emergency-department hold times at area hospitals can increase risk in the field and drive VMSC’s emphasis on advanced prehospital care.
The council asked for continued monthly reporting of operational statistics and for public announcements when training flights or activation of landing zones are planned.
