Our story

We have had an amazing journey since our establishment in 1962. In the beginning of EMS, an ambulance had lights, a siren, oxygen, and a prayer! Then came CPR, immobilization equipment, advanced first aid,  and in the early 70s, EMTs and Paramedics with cardiac monitoring/defibrillation capabilities. EMS has come a long way over the years, and we have been involved in many “Firsts” in the Pennsylvania EMS System. We are proud of our history and all of our accomplishments, and strive to keep making advancements everyday!

1962
Established

We were Established in September of 1962 under the name Ambulance and Chair Service (ACS)

1971
Co-Sponsored First EMT Class

We Co-Sponsored the First EMT Class in Pennsylvania

1973
First Paramedics in Washington County

We trained and employed the first Paramedics in Washington County. We were also one of the first ambulance services in Pennsylvania to have Paramedics

1979
Founded First QRS in Pennsylvania

We founded the first Quick Response Squad program in cooperation with volunteer fire companies in the state

1982
Paramedics on Every Ambulance

We were the first rural service to provide Paramedics on every ambulance in Pennsylvania

1984
First Paramedic QRS in Pennsylvania

We implemented the first Paramedic Quick Response Squad program in the state. The PA Department of Health would later go on to approve the use statewide in 1994

1990
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

We were awarded the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

1992
First AED Program in Pennsylvania

We developed and implemented the first Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program in Pennsylvania

1997
Provider of the Year

We were voted "1997 Provider of the Year" by the Emergency Medical Services Institute

2002
Lifetime Achievement Award

We received Emergency Medical Services Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award

2010
Pittsburgh Business Times

Women in Business article written about us in The Pittsburgh Business Times

2012
Celebrated 50 Years of Caring

We Celebrated 50 Years of Caring for Our Community

2012
Post Cardiac Hypothermic Care

We implemented Post Cardiac Hypothermic Care 

2020
Ownership Change

We underwent an Ownership Change and our name was changed to Ambulance and Chair EMS Inc. (ACEMS)

2020
Began Purchasing New Ambulances

In July of 2020, we began purchasing new "Box Style" ambulances and began phasing out our older "Van Style" ambulances. We also began purchasing QRS vehicles

2021
Announced First EMT Class

We announced our First EMS Class taught In-House, which would later go on to become a regular service we offer

2021
Purchased New Cardiac Monitors

We purchased all new state-of-the-art Zoll Cardiac Monitors for all of our vehicles. This investment into our community provided the residents of Washington County with cutting edge cardiac care

2021
Participating Department Recognition

We recognize the importance of a strong working relationship with our local fire departments, so we proudly obtained recognition as a Participating Department from The Office of the State Fire Commissioner

Today
Providing the Best Care, 24/7

As you can see, we have quite a long history and we are very proud of it! We continue to advance our service, and EMS every day! We can't wait to see what we'll do next!

Our Mission Statement

To be the best ambulance provider in our area by delivering superior pre-hospital emergent and non-emergent patient care. We achieve this through continuous training, the latest vehicles and equipment, and a strong working relationship with our other local agencies. We also educate the community on the response, treatment, and transportation of the sick and injured as well as the prevention of injury and illness.

With us, the sky is the limit!