ABOUT

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1944, residents of Narberth Borough decided to provide routine transportation for those involved in the war from the ports of Philadelphia. Incorporated as the Volunteer Medical service Corps of Narberth and now known as Narberth Ambulance has evolved on the years, their main goal was to provide first aid care and to do non-emergency transports. As times changed, and emergency medical services grew, Narberth Ambulance quickly became the provider of emergency medical services not only to Narberth Borough but to all of Lower Merion Township. By 1981, paramedics were incorporated into the organization, and Advanced Life Support service was now available for emergencies.

In the 1990’s, the squad outgrew its headquarters in Narberth Borough. A successful capital campaign was initiated, resulting in the funds to move into its current headquarters in Ardmore, a central location in the township.

In 1999, Pleasant Valley Ambulance was integrated into Narberth Ambulance, providing ALS services into Conshohocken & West Conshohocken. This integration also helped reduce response times to the western end of Lower Merion Township and the Schuylkill Expressway. With the integration of Pleasant Valley Ambulance, a basic life support unit, Narberth Ambulance was able to bring advanced life support services based in the Conshohocken & West Conshohocken area for the first time.

In 2016 the Township of Haverford contracted with Narberth Ambulance to provide 911 EMS coverage to its residents. With over 3500 requests for ambulance service annually, 2 stations with 24-hour coverage were created to provide timely response and proper allocation of the resources within the township.

In 2023, our 24/7/365 emergency medical services were extended in Lansdowne. Under this collaborative arrangement, Narberth Ambulance operates with the Lansdowne Fire Company and provides the dedicated personnel and medical staffing to ensure emergency coverage for the community. IN 2025 the acuity of the population demanded that the ambulance upgrade from EMT staffing to the need for Paramedic staffing and with financial support from both the Fire company and the Municipality, the elevation to a county designated MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit) was created.

Following the closure of the Crozer Health System, which left a critical gap in emergency medical care across Delaware County, Narberth Ambulance stepped up once again to expand its role. In 2025, the organization partnered with Ridley Township to provide Paramedics to the municipality while also supporting the Holmes Fire Company by providing staffing of EMT’s, swiftly answering thousands of calls in the township and across neighboring communities to secure regional critical care coverage. The following year, 2026, Narberth Ambulance launched a new paramedic intercept vehicle serving the municipalities of Norwood, Tinicum, Glenolden, Prospect Park and Ridley Park, providing Advanced Life Support services. This independent effort and funding agreement between 5 municipalities was the largest in Delaware county.

Narberth Ambulance is an organization built on countless hours of work from its Volunteer Board of Directors, Line Officers, Career Staff and a robust volunteer roster, working together for over 82 years. Growing from one station with 2 ambulances into an regional EMS service incorporating 8 stations, 13 ambulances, 6 responder vehicles. Narberth Ambulance now responds to over 22,000 calls a year.

Today, the staff includes over 50 full-time & 60 part-time employees to pair with over 60 volunteers, continuing to give time & service to the residents of Montgomery and Delaware Counties.