Causer, EMS West Officials Distribute Life-Saving Equipment to Area EMS Agencies

September 23, 2026

HARRISBURG - More than two dozen automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and portable suction units are being distributed to emergency medical services agencies across Cameron, McKean and Potter counties thanks to state grant funding obtained by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and additional support by EMS West.

"EMS personnel are a vital part of our health care system, and we need to do all we can to support them as they continue their mission to protect public safety," Causer said. "AEDs and portable suction units are valuable tools that help save lives in our communities. I appreciate the opportunity to help our emergency services update or add to their supply of this equipment."

"EMS West is proud to partner with Rep. Causer in the distribution of much-needed equipment to support our EMS agencies and providers," said Brian Shaw, executive director of EMS West. "There is no single 'golden ticket' that will immediately solve the many challenges facing EMS; however, partnerships like this make a meaningful difference by providing critical resources, strengthening our EMS system and supporting the dedicated professionals who serve our communities every day."

AEDs are portable medical devices used to check a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to restart a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Portable suction units are used by first responders to clear blood, mucus and foreign materials from a patient's airway during emergencies.

The majority of funding for the AEDs and suction units comes from what remains of a $750,000 state grant Causer obtained on behalf of ambulance services in the 67th Legislative District last year. Each company was eligible for up to $50,000 in funding and used it to purchase equipment and supplies ranging from radios and computers to new stretchers, power load systems, and even a used ambulance.

The grants were administered by EMS West, which also provided financial support to purchase the three additional AEDs and suction units needed to provide one to each of the 29 eligible companies in the region.

"I'd like to thank EMS West for helping to administer the grant funding, facilitate the AED distribution and, most of all, for the support it provides to the emergency responder community across our region," Causer said.

The AEDs and suction units were distributed to EMS services on Tuesday at the Bradford City Fire Department and Roulette Volunteer Fire Department.

Representative Martin T. Causer
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
[email protected]
RepCauser.com / Facebook.com/RepCauser