Our Charter

Founded in 2007, the PA EMS Provider Foundation was created to serve its communities, ensure public confidence, develop the next generation of EMS providers, and generally further the cause of Pennsylvania’s emergency medical services through education, outreach and philanthropy. The Foundation is committed to supporting the health and welfare of EMS providers by delivering a strong team of first responders for all of Pennsylvania.

The PA EMS Provider Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania and is a 501(C)(3) organization. Your donations support the following important endeavors:

Scholarship Programs to Develop the Next Generation

This program was developed to improve the number of advanced care providers which is critical to the success of EMS in the Commonwealth. The scholarships are awarded to qualified individuals interested in furthering their training and becoming either a Paramedic or AEMT. Please carefully review the Candidate Requirements and Application Instructions prior to starting the online application.  The 2026 scholarship application process is closed and will reopen in November 2026.  

Support the Welfare of Providers and Their Families

• Providers - The Foundation shares the concern about the emotional toll EMS has on providers, and endeavors, with the assistance of others, to improve their wellness.

• Families - While EMS provider agencies strive to eliminate tragedy, should a family ever be in need, the Foundation is there to help by providing immediate financial assistance in the event of a Line of Duty Death (LODD). 

PA EMS Weekend of Recognition and Remembrance

The Foundation hosts this annual event to raise funds and create awareness of emergency medical services in the Commonwealth. The “Weekend” consists of three (3) events:

• PA EMS Memorial Service - honors the lives of PA EMS providers who died in the line of duty. Since the beginning of EMS in the Commonwealth, 84 PA EMS providers lost their lives in service to others. The memorial service is held on the last day of the event.
• Stars of Life Awards Banquet – a Class A Uniform/business attire affair, the event recognizes Pennsylvania’s exemplary EMS providers as identified by their leadership or peers, with Stars of Life awards.  The banquet also recognizes recipients of scholarships awarded by the Foundation. Nominations for the 2026 have been closed.
• PA EMS Memorial Bike Ride – a cycling event honoring the service, sacrifice and memory of PA EMS providers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.