About Cheltenham EMS
In 1982, the Cheltenham Township Emergency Medical Service (EMS) started small. “We borrowed a Chevy Suburban from the police and placed magnetic signs that said ‘Emergency Medical Service’ over the word ‘Police’,” explained Ken Hellendall, EMS Director. “This worked fine until the signs blew off.” In 2022, the decidedly higher-tech EMS celebrated its 40th anniversary. From its modest beginnings as a part-time adjunct to the Police Department, Cheltenham EMS has blossomed into the one of the busiest ambulance services in the county.
Established by the Board of Commissioners in 1982 to provide the community with an organization dedicated solely to medical emergencies, EMS held its first meeting in February 1983. Weekend operations began soon after. For the first few years, police officers continued to cover medical emergencies whenever EMS was off duty. During that first year, 29 EMS volunteers equipped with a first-aid kit, a shared police vehicle, and a walkie-talkie that plugged into a car cigarette lighter handled 254 calls. In contrast, EMS is now dispatched to over 3,000 calls per year. As an independent department of the Township, EMS has volunteer and career paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), qualified to provide advanced life care.
EMS operations focus foremost on 911-related emergencies, but also include special event and detail coverage such as football games, graduations, street fairs, bicycle races, and community events, providing care and welfare to those attending. Rehabilitation services are also provided during large-scale fire and hazardous materials emergencies.
Cheltenham Township EMS constantly updates its equipment and expands training to provide the best patient care possible. The EMS boasts three ambulances, a special service unit, a paramedic responder motorcycle, and three fully-equipped EMS bicycles. During its 40-year history, it instituted the first bicycle patrol in the county, and created the second Medics on Motorcycles program in Pennsylvania. This program gives EMS quick access to patients, despite traffic congestion or roadwork closings. The motorcycle carries life-saving equipment to begin care until an ambulance arrives, and radios that can communicate with any ambulance, police vehicle, or hospital in the county.
Volunteers
EMS always welcomes new volunteers. Volunteers were the backbone of EMS when the service began, and they continue to be vital to its operation. Paramedics and EMTs are particularly welcome, but training can be provided.
Volunteers should have CPR and first-aid certification before applying. All applicants must be age 18 or older prior to applying. Anyone interested in joining EMS should contact Ken Hellendall at 215-887-5925, ext. 510.
Volunteer/Career Application
Medic Motorcycle
CTEMS has made a dedicated commitment to provide the most modern response in street emergency medicine. In addition to the best in equipment and personnel, we have added an Advanced Life Support, Quick Responder Motorcycle. The purpose of the motorcycle is to put a medic on the street, roaming the township, ready to respond to any 911 emergencies in the first minutes of a request for help.
EMS Subscriber Program
When you dial 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, the Cheltenham Township Emergency Medical Service (EMS) answers your call. Our highly trained staff uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide aid that save lives. Yearly, EMS often responds to over 3,000 calls for help, and through the subscription program, your assistance help us to continue providing top-notch care in the face of rising heath care costs.
Through your support of our Emergency Medical Services, you are investing in exceptional value and protection for yourself and your family! A single ambulance call can be billed at over $2,000, which subscribers won’t have to pay. By becoming a subscriber, you can support EMS and eliminate unnecessary expenses, such as deductibles and co-pay obligations for you and your family. For only $100/family, $60/individual, $35/senior citizen (over 65), and $70/senior couple, you can avoid all out-of-pocket expenses. While EMS does not provide transportation for routine medical or doctor’s visits, your subscription will save you money on any emergency calls your family might need during the year. However, EMS will bill Medicare and insurance companies to keep your costs down.
Subscription dues are now paid through our third-party billing provider; link below.
We also gratefully appreciate your tax-deductible contributions! You may join the subscription program at any time during the year, but you will only be covered until December 31 of the year in which you subscribe. Look for our mailer each fall for information to subscribe for the following year!
EMS Subscriber Program