Since the Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County (MESA) began operating in February 2024, it has responded to over 4,530 911 EMS calls. That’s a rate of almost 20 service calls every day.

On average, MESA responds to dispatch calls in 1 minute and 31 seconds (well below the industry standard of under 2 minutes). MESA’s average time from dispatch to arrival on-scene is 7 minutes and 51 seconds (well below the industry standard of under 10 minutes).

This exceptional level of emergency response for our community is made possible by public funding and by MESA’s dedicated EMTs, paramedics and operations professionals.

“Each and every MESA team member knows the vital importance of the work they do,” said MESA Authority Manager Wade Amick. “We take tremendous pride in responding to calls as rapidly and safely as possible and to providing the highest level of service when we arrive.”

CPR and First Aid Classes Available

Thankfully, MESA is ready to respond 24/7 when you, a loved one or a neighbor needs EMS. Still, learning CPR and first aid can equip you with your own skills that can save a life in your community.

• CPR can triple the chance of survival when applied by a trained bystander
• First aid techniques in the event of a person choking can prevent suffocation
• Knowing how to apply first aid in the event of injuries involving bleeding, fractures or burns can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve recovery

MESA provides free hand-only CPR training for the public. Hands-only CPR is an easy-to-learn skill that can save a person experiencing cardiac arrest. It involves calling 911, sending someone for an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available and then giving continuous chest compressions.

MESA also offers free “Stop the Bleed” first aid classes for the public. The class teaches how to respond to a variety of medical emergencies including situations involving bleeding and trauma.

Follow MESA on Facebook for class dates or contact Suzette Kreider at skreider@mesalancasterpa.gov or 717-361-8220 ext. 107 to schedule a class especially for your community group.

Join the MESA Team

MESA is also a great place to work! MESA offers full-time and part-time employment opportunities for paramedics, EMTs, EMS administrators and non-medical professionals in a welcoming and family-like environment with competitive pay, benefits and time-off.

For more information about MESA and career opportunities, visit mesalancasterpa.gov.