PAVFC announces plans to transfer EMS responsibilities to Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md.- A major shift is underway in Somerset County, with the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company delegating Emergency Medical Services to the County.

A lengthy Facebook post put out by the fire company, Tuesday cited lack of funding as being the reason for PAVFC to pass off EMS responsibilities to the county, as of July 1.

The company said it responded to over 3,300 medical emergency calls in 2024 alone, transporting patients to hospitals in Salisbury, Crisfield and as far as Berlin.

The Fire Company did not respond to requests for comment, Wednesday, but in the Facebook post said talks with county commissioners did not get them the necessary funding to sustain EMS services, stating, “EMS supplies, payroll, workman’s compensation, taxes and benefits have all grown dramatically” and they are, “Not getting adequate funding from billing.”

WMDT reached out to county commissioners, who did not respond, but instead sent out a brief statement, which stated they had been made aware of the situation, and “The Commissioners and Fire Company will be working diligently to assure that ambulance service will not be interrupted.”

Over 130 community members chimed into the post’s comment section, expressing frustration, uncertainty and disbelief. It’s unclear how Somerset County will handle emergency calls moving forward, but in the meantime, PAVFC said they will, “Work hand in hand with the county as this EMS service is being transferred to them.”