Penn State Health participates in new Emergency Medical Services website to communicate hospital divert status

Penn State Health began using a new website, PA Medic, to provide the real-time status of its emergency departments to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field crews, effective Jan. 18.

Developed by the Emergency Health Services Federation, the PA Medic website shows EMS field crews and hospital leaders whether its emergency departments are open, closed or diverting patients to other hospitals. The website is accessible to EMS field crews, 911 call centers, hospital patient logistics and emergency departments and other hospital stakeholders.

Users can select specific geographical regions of the state. Anyone can view emergency department operating status on the website, as no login credentials are needed.

Traditionally, hospitals in central Pennsylvania have communicated divert status to EMS crews through phone calls to 911 call centers. The current surge in patient volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the frequency of hospital divert status changes across the region. This situation has overwhelmed 911 call centers that struggle to communicate the information in real time.

Hospitals and health systems across Pennsylvania must opt in to participate in the website platform.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.