VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Burholme First Aid Corps announced their merger effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The union is designed to enhance access to advanced life support emergency medical and mobile health services in Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
Both nonprofits were founded in 1933.
VMSC, based in Lansdale, has been a provider of specialty Advanced Life Support services to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jefferson Health Network and a 911 emergency medical service for 11 Montgomery County municipalities.
Burholme, based at 830 Bleigh Ave., has provided emergency medical services and fostered local EMS education and community paramedicine programs.
“This merger represents a powerful alignment of our organizations’ strengths and values,” said Shane Wheeler, CEO of VMSC. “By bringing together our expertise, resources and commitment to innovation, we are not only preserving but enhancing our service lines in both Montgomery County and Philadelphia. The community can rest assured that there will be no reduction in services. Instead, we are expanding our capabilities, particularly in Philadelphia, where we will build on Burholme’s proud legacy by providing increased access to Advanced Life Support services.”
The merger will allow VMSC to broaden its ALS and mobile health services across Philadelphia, extending its specialty care expertise and advanced clinical technologies to more neighborhoods and healthcare facilities.
The expansion will further Burholme’s mission by leveraging VMSC’s operational capabilities, clinical advancements and service infrastructure.
Together, the combined organization will focus on innovation in EMS delivery, incorporating new technologies and approaches to ensure high patient care standards.
“Joining forces with VMSC is a natural evolution for Burholme,” said Tim Hinchcliff, executive director of Burholme First Aid Corps. “Both of our organizations share a deep commitment to our communities and to the core values of service, compassion and excellence in care. This partnership enables us to expand the impact we’ve had in Philadelphia, ensuring our community continues to receive the highest quality of care, backed by VMSC’s advanced resources and capabilities.” ••
