The Travel Authority

Bensalem EMS was established in 1980 as a non-profit volunteer ambulance company to serve our growing suburban community. Bensalem Township consists of just over 22 square miles with a population of more than 60, 000 residents. Our primary coverage area consists of the entire township which borders the City of Philadelphia, several other Bucks County townships, and the Delaware River. Because of its geographical location, Bensalem has become a hub of activity for Bucks County. Our township offers a diverse mix of residential, industrial, and commercial properties including Pennsylvania's second licensed Casino. Both Amtrak and USX have rail lines that transverse our jurisdiction as well as SEPTA. Many main routes of travel pass through Bensalem including Interstate 95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) and US 1. Our community is in the flight path for several civilian and military airports and is known as the "Gateway to Bucks County". The above circumstances have helped Bensalem EMS grow into an interesting and exciting organization. We have grown to meet the needs of our expanding community, and have become one of the premier EMS organizations in our region. Bensalem has two Advanced Life Support Units staffed by Paramedics 24 hours a day. Our staff consists of a combination of volunteer and career personnel all trained at the EMT or Paramedic level. Bensalem EMS treats more than 5, 000 patients each year. Our service only responds to 9-1-1 emergencies and we do not perform routine transport services. Our units will transport patients to Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Lower Bucks Hospital, St. Mary Medical Center, Frankford Hospital Bucks County Campus, and Warminster Hospital. Bensalem EMS is funded primarily from fee for service income. This makes up about 80% of our budget. The other 20% of our operations is supported by Township Real Estate Taxes and private donations.