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March 06, 2026 - Pittsburgh, PA

Shapiro Administration Highlights Additional $6.6 Million Investment in EMS Professionals to Improve Care for Pennsylvanians, Demonstrates Lifesaving Equipment These Dollars Help Provide

Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen today highlighted ongoing investments in emergency medical services (EMS) professionals to help improve care for Pennsylvanians and ultimately keep them safe.

During a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, Secretary Bogen and EMS leaders demonstrated the type of medical equipment that could be funded through Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-2027 proposed budget that includes spending $6.6 million more of the EMS Operating Fund (EMSOF) to help build the EMS workforce of tomorrow.

In the past three years, the Shapiro Administration invested more than $56 million from EMSOF to support EMS professionals with equipment funding, tuition support, recruitment, and training assistance.

"Every minute counts when EMS professionals are dispatched to an urgent medical situation," said Secretary Bogen. "Since taking office, Governor Shapiro made supporting EMS in Pennsylvania a priority. His proposed investment will provide the EMS professionals across the state with innovative equipment and training that can improve care and patient outcomes when performing a time-sensitive and technically complex procedure like an intubation in the field."

Speaker List:
Brian Shaw, EMS West Regional Council Director
Dr. Debra Bogen, DOH Secretary
Brian Herskovitz, Valley Ambulance Authority EMS Chief
Darrick Gerano, Murrysville Medic One EMS Chief



Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_003.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_004.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_005.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_006.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Brian Shaw, EMS West Regional Council Director joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_007.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Brian Shaw, EMS West Regional Council Director joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_008.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Brian Shaw, EMS West Regional Council Director joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_009.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_010.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_011.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_012.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_013.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_014.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_015.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_016.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Brian Herskovitz, Valley Ambulance Authority EMS Chief joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_017.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Brian Herskovitz, Valley Ambulance Authority EMS Chief joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_018.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Brian Herskovitz, Valley Ambulance Authority EMS Chief joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_019.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Darrick Gerano, Murrysville Medic One EMS Chief joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_020.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Darrick Gerano, Murrysville Medic One EMS Chief joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_021.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Darrick Gerano, Murrysville Medic One EMS Chief joins Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen as they highlight three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_022.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_023.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_024.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_025.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_026.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_027.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_028.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_029.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_030.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_031.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, an EMS responder demonstrate the use of a video laryngoscope. The proposed investment in the 2026-27 budget will be used to purchase equipment for EMS professionals, ensuring they have the most up-to-date equipment and enabling emergency care to be as effective as possible for Pennsylvanians. In Pennsylvania, more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_032.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_033.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_034.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_035.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_036.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_037.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_038.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_039.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlights three years of significant investments the Shapiro Administration has made in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during a visit to EMS West Regional Council in Allegheny County, sharing how the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget investment of an additional $6 million will continue to build and equip the EMS workforce of tomorrow.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29029_doh_emsWorkforce_JF_040.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>