The City of Bethlehem’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) celebrated EMS Week with a recognition ceremony May 20. Mayor Bob Donchez told paramedics, “We are proud of our public safety departments.” He presented EMS Director Thomas Decker with an EMS Week proclamation as did Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. Representatives of both area hospitals, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network, also attended and made presentations. Bethlehem paramedics Jason Hadinger and Chad Oliver reported on recent survey results that explored the mental health aspects of serving in a high stress public safety job. Paramedic Edwin Hillegass received a 20-year service pin and paramedic Andrew Brown received a stork pin for delivering a baby.

The City of Bethlehem EMS has 24 full-time paramedics and 34 part-time paramedics who staff eight advanced life support ambulances and two advanced life support QRVs. They handle approximately 12,000 calls per year.