
MISSION & VALUES
The mission of Adams Regional Emergency Medical Services is to provide outstanding emergency medical services and patient transportation services. We provide these services in a professional manner while maintaining the dignity of those we serve. Our staff continuously strives to learn, improve and grow in enhancing the delivery of emergency medical services to those we serve.
HISTORY
In March 2015, our Board of Directors announced the formation of Adams Regional Emergency Medical Services. AREMS was formed by merging the EMS services of Gettysburg Fire Department and United Hook and Ladder. This cooperative venture was unanimously approved by both departments in January of 2015. AREMS will provide both basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) services to over 21 municipalities in Adams County, Pennsylvania. The fire and rescue services provided by each cooperating fire department are not affected by the EMS merger.
United Hook and Ladder and Gettysburg Fire Department have been working together since early 2014. United Hook and Ladder provided BLS providers to Gettysburg Fire for their ambulance service. In November 2013, WellSpan Health announced they would be discontinuing delivery of advanced life support services (medic 28). In early 2014, a county ALS/BLS steering committee was formed to study emergency medical services in Adams County. When that discussion stalled and confirmation came from Hanover Hospital that they planned to continue providing ALS service to the eastern half of the county, talks between Gettysburg Fire Department and United Hook and Ladder escalated. Their focus was on continuing to provide excellent BLS care as they had always done, and to provide ALS service to areas of the county that would no longer be served by WellSpan Health and would not be covered by Hanover Hospital.
In 2018, Fairfield Fire & EMS approached AREMS to discuss the possibility of merging their ambulance service into AREMS. In a press release dated October 22, 2018, AREMS announced the pending merger of ambulance service between Fairfield Fire & EMS and AREMS. With the merger, Fairfield will have staffed coverage 24/7. The ambulances will continue to respond from the Fairfield Station.
We will continue to provide 24/7 BLS and ALS service based in the Gettysburg Fire Department, the United Hook & Ladder Co. 33 New Oxford Station and Bonneauville Station as well as the Fairfield Station. One ambulance will be staffed 24/7 at each of these stations. Additional ambulance maybe staffed pending call volume and area events.
AREMS Participating Departments
VALUES
Commitment to Service
We treat persons with illness and injury in our community with care and compassion, utilizing effective principles and practices of patient care, and we strive for excellence through ongoing evaluation and improvement.
Respect
We recognize the dignity of others and communicate with others in a respectful manner.
Accountability
We are responsible for our actions, both positive and negative.
Teamwork
We practice teamwork though communication and cooperation to achieve common goals.
Fair Treatment
We do not discriminate against patients or personnel on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, age, disability, political belief, military service, or any other legally protected characteristic.