Plan to scrap Bucks County Rescue Squad on hold until August

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WTXF) - A possible shake-up in Bucks County that has some residents nervous about who they'll call for help if they need an EMT.

"Life and death. I can't get more critical than that, it's life and death situation," said Sheila Beeman.

Beeman says the Bucks County Rescue Squad would be her key to survival, should she undergo another medical emergency. She came out to a packed Bristol Township Council meeting demanding officials save the rescue squad after a move was made to scrap it over what some officials call problems in finances and management.

"God forbid were I to have a heart attack, another heart attack, I cannot wait seven to nine minutes for a rescue squad to come for me. I need them in three and that's exactly what Bucks County Rescue Squad does for the people on the Lower End. They save lives," Beeman explained.

"2015 we gave them grant money to make payroll. So, we knew they were struggling and, of course, the financials come in. We see they are struggling," said Craig Bowen, Bristol Township Council President.

Township officials authored up a potential plan that would allow the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad to take over as the main EMS provider for most of Bristol Township.

"We already were preparing for back up, so we're just preparing for the worst," Bowen added.

The proposed plan drew fire on social media, prompting the Bucks County Rescue Squad to issue a statement saying they were "dismayed and disheartened" over the move to dump their services.

"On a move to table the resolution, all in favor? Aye. Opposed? Thank you," said Bowen.

The Council decided to hold the issue until mid-August, allowing all sides to take a closer look at the sticking points.

"That way, all parties, the financials can get together and we could really look at the situation," Bowen explained.

Sheila hopes the residents are let in on the process.

"What I'd like to see in the next couple of months is, instead of hostility and rant, talk to us. We're your taxpayers. Just talk to us," Beeman said.

An official with the Bucks County Rescue Squad did confirm they operate on a shoestring budget, but say that's not different than any other rescue company in the county. They welcome the decision to halt any action in order to work on areas of disagreement.