Plum EMS Subscriptions Provide Ease of Mind, Better Service

Plum Emergency Medical Services has started collecting subscriptions for 2012.

Subscriptions cost $40 for residences and businesses in the borough. The cost covers unlimited emergency transportation that meets guidelines for true emergencies.

If an owner/employee of a subscribing business becomes ill or injured while at work, coverage will be extended as a subscriber of Plum EMS (as long as it's not a worker's comp claim).

Plum EMS Director Tom Izydore said 2011 was one of the ambulance service's busiest years with 2,751 calls and 1,855 transported patients.

"We're hoping that we can encourage more people to join and become subscribers," he said. "Insurance companies only pay us if we are called to their house. What people don't understand is that insurance doesn't pay us to be at the station and wait for those calls."

Izydore said insurance payments cover about 2/3 of the ambulance service's operating costs.

"We really need the support of the community," he said.

Plum Mayor Rich Hrivnak's family recently had to use the ambulance service for an incident.

Hrivnak praised the EMS personnel and said the service is an asset to the residents of the borough.

"We have a wonderful resource," he said. "I would encourage everyone to understand how hard these folks work and what a great service we have in this community."

Councilman Len Szarmach agreed.

"I don't know that people have a true appreciate of the cost (the EMS) incurs with equipment and personnel, and how much it costs to have that ready," he said. "Even at $40, it's the cheapest insurance you could ask for. It's such a bargain."

Melanie Parente, Plum Senior Community Center coordinator, said the EMS has always been there to support the members of the senior center, as well as the staff.

"I'm so glad to have them in our community on many levels," she said.

For more information about the Plum EMS, visit www.plumems.com or call 412-793-4801. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.