This post is part of a series chronicling news coverage of rising gas prices in the United States. See more here.
Central Pennsylvania's Fox43 investigates how rising fuel costs are impacting local first responders
Reporter: “Nathan Harig with Cumberland Goodwill EMS worries that increasing fuel prices could cause struggling EMS companies to close”
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From a May 10, 2026, video uploaded to the YouTube channel of FOX43 News
EVAN FORRESTOR (FOX43 ANCHOR): Emergency medical service companies across Pennsylvania calling on state lawmakers to step in and try and help offset some of the increased fuel prices.
AMY LUTZ (FOX43 ANCHOR): FOX43's Matt Klinedinst examines how rising fuel costs are impacting local first responders.
MATT KLINEDINST (FOX43 REPORTER): As EMS crews head out on calls they are dealing with the burden of paying more at the pump.
BEN KIRKPATRICK (FIRST CAPITAL EMS): We spend right now about $325 a day on fuel costs.
KLINEDINST: Gas and diesel prices continue to climb across Pennsylvania as the Iran war continues into its third month. According to AAA, the average gallon of gas now costs $4.67, nearly $1.38 per gallon more than last year. Ben Kirkpatrick with First Capital EMS says their fuel costs have increased 54% from last year, causing them to look at pushing back some projects until next year.
KIRKPATRICK: We do have a brand new ambulance sitting in our parking lot right now. We were supposed to have a second one delivered at the end of the year, and then we were looking at upgrading some equipment where we might not be able to do it all at once.
KLINEDINST: According to Kirkpatrick, the increase in fuel prices are expected to cost First Capital EMS roughly $123,000 this year, the equivalent of a full year's worth of payments for this brand new ambulance. He says this will further cut down in the reimbursement rate currently offered by Medicare and Medicaid.
KIRKPATRICK: We're already getting $1,000 less on a good day. Now fuel prices are rising, that money doesn't even go as far as it needs to.
NATHAN HARIG (CUMBERLAND GOODWILL EMS): We're going to be stuck if something doesn't happen soon.
KLINEDINST: Nathan Harig with Cumberland Goodwill EMS worries that increasing fuel prices could cause struggling EMS companies to close and believes a one-time rate increase from state and federal lawmakers could keep them afloat.
HARIG: We can't just raise the rates and expect people to pay, there are certain statutory limitations that it'd be great if they could help us out with.
KLINEDINST: Despite the higher cost of fuel, EMS officials say they will continue carrying out their mission to care for people in need.