Five Delaware County communities voted to establish a new authority to provide emergency medical services funded by annual fees paid by residents, businesses and other entities. The Municipal Emergency Medical Services Authority of Delaware County will provide advanced life support to Nether Providence, Rose Valley, Rutledge, Swarthmore and Upper Providence. Media was originally part of the working group developing the authority proposal, but the borough exited the group for financial reasons. Each community approved an ordinance to join the authority and appointed a representative to the authority board. The authority won’t immediately go into service, as new board members first work to build it. The recommended fee for residents will be $95 a year, though that figure could change. Businesses, nonprofit entities and the municipalities themselves will have to contribute yearly fees, as well. Using an authority and fee-based model was important for making sure nonprofits contribute to the costs of EMS service.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/3/2026