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Media Today
By the People, for the People
Six Delaware County Towns Explore Regional EMS Coalition After Crozer Shutdown
The working group aims to create a publicly funded, locally accountable emergency services system.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:20pm
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The proposed regional EMS coalition aims to restore reliable emergency services to Delaware County communities affected by Crozer Health's closure.Media TodayIn the wake of Crozer Health's closure, six Delaware County towns - Media, Nether Providence, Rose Valley, Rutledge, Swarthmore, and Upper Providence - are in discussions to form a regional emergency medical services (EMS) coalition. The goal is to establish a publicly operated, tax-funded EMS authority that can provide more stable and locally accountable emergency care compared to the previous private system.
Why it matters
Crozer's shutdown left many Delco communities without reliable EMS infrastructure, putting greater strain on local fire departments and forcing residents to rely on mutual aid from neighboring towns. A multi-town EMS authority could generate more predictable funding through property taxes and give local officials direct oversight, in contrast to the previous private model controlled by a distant corporation.
The details
The working group, which includes representatives from all six towns as well as local fire departments, has hired legal counsel with experience establishing similar regional EMS systems in Pennsylvania. They are developing the authority's structure, financial model, and governance. A public information session is scheduled for April 30 before each municipality decides whether to formally join the new EMS coalition.
- Crozer Health closed down in 2026, leading to the loss of much of Delaware County's EMS infrastructure.
- The six-town working group began discussions on forming a regional EMS authority in early 2026.
- A public information session is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
- After the public session, each municipality will decide whether to formally join the new EMS coalition.
The players
Media Borough
One of the six Delaware County municipalities exploring the creation of a regional EMS authority.
Nether Providence
One of the six Delaware County municipalities exploring the creation of a regional EMS authority.
Rose Valley
One of the six Delaware County municipalities exploring the creation of a regional EMS authority.
Rutledge
One of the six Delaware County municipalities exploring the creation of a regional EMS authority.
Swarthmore
One of the six Delaware County municipalities exploring the creation of a regional EMS authority.
Upper Providence
One of the six Delaware County municipalities exploring the creation of a regional EMS authority.
What they’re saying
“While a new concept in our region as a model for EMS, this framework has been successfully implemented by other regional EMS organizations across our commonwealth.”
— Media Borough
“This local accountability stands in sharp contrast to the waning days of Prospect Medical Holdings' control of Crozer, when decisions made far from our communities led to dangerously low staffing levels across our riverfront communities, forcing residents to rely on mutual aid from neighboring municipalities for basic emergency care, with disastrous results.”
— Media Borough
What’s next
After the April 30 public information session, each of the six municipalities will decide whether to formally join the new regional EMS authority.
The takeaway
The proposed regional EMS coalition represents a community-driven effort to restore reliable and locally accountable emergency services in the wake of Crozer Health's closure, which left many Delaware County towns without adequate EMS infrastructure. If successful, the model could serve as a template for other regions facing similar challenges.
