First Capital EMS

02/21/2026

As the next winter storm approaches, First Capital EMS wants our communities to stay informed, prepared, and safe.

❄️ **Winter Storm Safety Tips:**
• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm—roads can become hazardous quickly.
• If you must drive, slow down, increase following distance, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blankets, flashlight, water, snacks, phone charger).
• Clear snow and ice from walkways and hydrants near your home to help emergency crews access properties if needed.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone who may need assistance.
• Use generators and alternative heating sources safely—never operate them indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Keep pets inside and limit time outdoors for everyone during the storm.

**In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.** Our crews will be on duty throughout the storm, but your safety starts with prevention. We're ready, though, if you need us!

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay off the roads if you can. Let’s work together to keep York County safe. ❄️

02/18/2026

Last evening, Chief Deardorff had the distinct pleasure of speaking at the Windsor Lions Club meeting.

Chief Deardorff discussed how First Capital EMS operates and some of the challenges facing EMS as a whole. The club asked several thoughtful and engaging questions—so many, in fact, that what was originally planned as a 15-minute talk turned into a 35-minute presentation!

Thank you to the Windsor Lions Club for the invitation and for the great conversation. We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with our community!

02/13/2026

Yesterday, Deputy Chief Myers and EMT Henry had the pleasure of attending Red Lion Senior High School’s Career Day, representing the field of EMS.

The students asked thoughtful questions, showed genuine interest, and thankfully didn’t ask us to demonstrate CPR on the principal — we call that a win.

It’s always inspiring to meet the next generation of potential first responders!

Have a Career Day or Fair coming up at your school? Reach out to invite First Capital EMS — we’d love to be there and share what EMS is all about (and maybe let you check out the ambulance, too). 🚑

02/12/2026

📊 January 2026 Call Volume Recap 🚑

In January 2026, First Capital EMS responded to a total of 1,261 dispatches, averaging 40.6 calls per day across our system.

🗓 Busiest days of the week:

Thursday: 215 calls

Friday: 204 calls

Wednesday: 194 calls

🏥 Busiest stations:

Station 5-1 (West York): 402 calls

Station 5-3 (York Township): 299 calls

Station 5-2 (Grantley): 246 calls

Station 5-5 (Yoe): 245 calls

Station 5-4 (Victory – Part-time): 69 calls

We’re incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our team shows every day to serve our community. Thank you for all that you do! 💙

Send a message to learn more

02/04/2026

🚑 New Equipment Incoming! 🚑

First Capital EMS is excited to share our second new equipment announcement as we continue placing new tools onto our vehicles. While we have always utilized advanced technology, we remain committed to finding ways to improve and ensure our community receives the highest level of care possible.

🔹 Up next: the BD IO Drill

First Capital EMS is transitioning from the EZ-IO to the BD IO Drill for intraosseous (IO) access. IO access is a critical, life-saving skill used when traditional IV access cannot be quickly established—most often in critically ill or cardiac arrest patients.

Why the BD IO Drill?
✔️ Rapid, reliable vascular access when seconds matter
✔️ Ergonomic design for improved control and placement
✔️ Compatibility with multiple needle sizes to treat a wide range of patients
✔️ Rechargeable power system, unlike the EZ-IO, improving equipment longevity and reducing overall replacement costs
✔️ Streamlined system that supports efficiency in high-stress situations

This upgrade supports faster medication and fluid delivery while also being a smart, cost-conscious investment that benefits both our providers and the community we serve.

Thank you for your continued support as we continue to invest in our people, our equipment, and patient care.

02/03/2026

🚑 New Equipment Incoming! 🚑

First Capital EMS is excited to share that two new pieces of equipment will be hitting our vehicles very soon! While we’ve always utilized advanced technology, we continually look for ways to improve and ensure our community receives the highest level of care possible.

🔹 Up first: the IntuBlade

The IntuBlade video laryngoscope (VL) is a critical airway management tool that allows our Paramedics to secure a patient’s airway when they are unable to breathe on their own. This new system replaces two separate VL devices, streamlining our airway process into one efficient, modern platform.

What makes the IntuBlade a game changer?
✔️ Connects directly to a mobile device
✔️ Allows providers to view the airway from multiple angles
✔️ Improves first-pass success rates
✔️ Enables near-instant QA/QI review for ongoing training and quality improvement

This upgrade directly enhances patient safety and outcomes—and we’re proud to continue investing in the tools our crews need to do their job at the highest level.

Stay tuned for the next equipment announcement!

01/29/2026

❄️ Storm Recap & Big Thanks! ❄️

Now that the snow has settled, First Capital EMS would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to our municipal partners, fire companies, and mutual aid EMS agencies. Being included in pre-event planning and working side-by-side made all the difference — teamwork truly drives strong responses!

📊 Storm Snapshot | January 25, 2026 (24 Hours)
• 26 calls for service
• Total Call Time: 1:10:28 (Dispatch to Available)
➡️ Slightly above our average of 56:31 — expected given road conditions
• 330 total man-hours dedicated to keeping our communities safe
• All regular ambulances in service plus an extra ambulance
• Additional providers on most units for extra support

Despite challenging conditions, the response went very well, and we’re proud of the professionalism, preparation, and collaboration shown throughout the storm.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this a safe and successful operation!

01/29/2026

It’s National Puzzle Day, and in EMS, every call is about putting the pieces together 🧩🚑

Patient care isn’t just one skill or one decision—it’s assessment, teamwork, experience, communication, and compassion all coming together to form a complete picture.

At First Capital EMS, our EMTs and paramedics work every day to connect those pieces for the best possible patient outcome.

Thank you to our crews for solving the puzzle—one patient, one call at a time.

01/27/2026

It may be National Chocolate Cake Day, but at First Capital EMS, our focus today is exactly where it always is—on our community 🚑

While others celebrate with dessert, our EMTs and paramedics are answering the call, delivering high-quality emergency medical care, and standing ready when York County needs us most.

Thank you to our FCEMS crews for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment—every shift, every call.

01/26/2026

First Capital EMS will be conducting a full evaluation of our operations during this past weekend’s snowstorm—and there are many people and partners who deserve recognition. We’ll be sharing those thanks in the coming days.

For now, we want to take a moment to give a special shout-out to the Dover Area Ambulance Club. While returning from another call, their crew stopped to assist one of our teams who was working a 911 incident.

They didn’t have to, but they did. From helping shovel to assisting with patient movement, their support made a real difference.

Teamwork isn’t just something that happens within one organization... it’s how we work together as a profession that truly impacts patient care. Thank you, Dover Area Ambulance Club, for being outstanding partners in EMS. 🚑🤝

Photo credit to our employee, S.J.!

01/24/2026

🚑❄️ How is First Capital EMS preparing for this weekend’s snowstorm?

Our teams have been working behind the scenes to make sure we’re ready to serve our communities—no matter what the weather brings.

✅ Coordinated closely with our municipal partners to ensure seamless operations
✅ Participated in multiple pre-event planning meetings, internally and with municipalities
✅ Upstaffed to provide a full complement of crews plus an additional ambulance
✅ Strategically positioned ambulances throughout our primary response areas
✅ Ensured tire chains are available and ready for use if needed
✅ Stocked stations with cots and additional bedding for staff reporting early or unable to safely travel
✅ Provided food and snacks to minimize unnecessary travel for working crews
✅ Adjusted dress code guidelines for warmth while maintaining a professional appearance
✅ And more preparations behind the scenes…

We’re ready to respond—24/7, in all conditions.
Are you prepared? ❄️🚑

01/24/2026

With the absolute bitter cold and snow getting ready to impact York County, here are some tips from the US National Weather Service State College PA