ALS to station in Mercersburg

The Mercersburg area is getting emergency advanced care closer to home.

The board of directors of The Advanced Life Support Unit, Medic 2 has accepted an invitation for the placement of a paramedic in the MMP&W fire station beginning Sunday, Feb. 24, according to a news release issued by ALS. The paramedic service will be 24 hours, seven days per week.

Medic 2 has been servicing the Borough of Mercersburg, Montgomery Township and southeastern Peters Township for more than a decade from the Rescue Hose Co. 1 fire station in Greencastle. A paramedic, along with the Unit 203, will continue to run 911 calls from the Greencastle station.

The idea to place a Medic in Mercersburg had been discussed several times over the years. That idea came to reality in recent weeks when officials from both organizations were discussing the possibility of having a Medic unit in the station during the Whitetail ski season, according to the release.

A plan from Medic 2 was offered to MMP&W fire board of directors in November. The plan was further discussed during the December monthly meeting of the fire board of directors and approved to invite Medic 2 into their station.

MMP&W fire Chief Dale Carbaugh, along with MMP&W fire board, is pleased with the announcement that Medic 2 and MMPW have agreed to place an Advanced Life Support unit in the fire station.

"We feel this will enhance pre-hospital care to residents of our response area as well as other areas in southwestern Franklin County in a more expeditious manner," Carbaugh said.

Brain Stum, president of the Board of Directors for Medic 2 stated," I want to thank the MMP&W fire board of directors for their support in making this move. I feel we have created a great working relationship through the years. This shows how much they care about the people they represent. Medic 2 has worked very hard to provide the best pre-hospital care in the ALS community. We are committed to Mercersburg and the surrounding townships of Peters, Warren and Montgomery to be there when they need us."

Carbaugh added, "I am excited for Medic 2 to come to the station; we have had a good working relationship for quite a few years. This ALS unit placement stands to improve the quality of care to our residents," stated Carbaugh.

Medic 2 has been serving the Southern Franklin County area since 1983. It continues to be a 501c3 non-profit corporation.