One cluster of EMS calls in and outside of the city at the same time does not create an urgent situation.

But the situation described recently by Dave Krogler, Warren fire chief, in which Warren firefighters found themselves responding to calls in Pleasant and Glade townships while, within the same hour, responding to two calls inside the city limits isn’t a one-off. It’s becoming a more regular occurrence, according to Krogler, though at this point not an occurrence that the city can’t handle.

Warren has agreements with many surrounding townships to be a backup when volunteers or EmergyCare aren’t available to respond. It’s a way of protecting city taxpayers while at the same time fulfilling the city’s responsibilities under the mutual aid system. But we shouldn’t think these intermunicipal agreements – valuable as they are for both sides – solve the problem. Warren’s fire department isn’t staffed to be the primary first responder for the entire greater Warren area. It isn’t being asked to do so yet, but things are trending the wrong way.

What’s happening with EMS in Warren County is happening throughout Pennsylvania and across the nation. The fact that rural EMS coverage is a stubborn problem everywhere, not just here, isn’t comforting. It’s concerning because there isn’t a roadmap to follow that doesn’t involve creation of paid EMS groups that most rural areas can’t afford.

The EMS situation here isn’t great, but it isn’t dire either. There are areas in much worse shape. But that diagnosis could change if Warren finds itself answering clusters of calls in and outside of the city on a more regular basis. Consider Krogler’s recent report to the council as the latest in a long line of reminders that the old system isn’t going to last forever.