Project C.O.P.E.
(Community Outreach and Public Education)

Bensalem has a large infrastructure that includes a large senior high school, 3 public middle schools, 6 public elementary schools, and several other private schools.  Bensalem has an 100+ man police department and 6 volunteer fire companies.  Bensalem EMS is the only ambulance service in the township.

It is easy to see that Bensalem Township is a very busy community and is still growing.  Currently, all EMS efforts have been focused on operations.  Bensalem EMS answers nearly 6,000 calls per year.  The Squad is equipped with 6 Advanced Life Support Units. Bensalem EMS has also helped to establish 4 first responder engine companies, the placement of AED’s in police vehicles and in some public buildings.

Bensalem Emergency Medical Services recognized that now more than ever is the time to promote the health of our residents through public education and aggressive prevention programs.  Other programs are geared to begin providing help prior to EMS arrival, such as by-stander CPR training and AED programs.  This program lays the groundwork for the future of EMS, and will impact not only Bensalem Township but the entire Bucks County region.

Studies across our Nation have shown communities with strong public outreach and education programs have dramatically reduced the rate of morbidity and mortality for victims of sudden illness and injury.  This is made possible through the public having the ability to intervene in the event of an emergency and bridging the gap until EMS personnel arrive on scene.

Prior to C.O.P.E., Bensalem Township had no organized effort to promote education about emergencies and the EMS system to the public.  Bensalem EMS intends to promote an aggressive program to educate the public, and to promote the use of AED’s in the community and the workplace.  While the Squad is willing to devote itself fully to this project, our resources are limited.  Much of Project C.O.P.E.’s funding must be raised through the public and private sectors.