4-25-2008:Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS responded to a report of explosions with multiple dwellings and vehicles fully involved in flames. No Civilians where injured, 1 Firefighter was transported to a local hospital for firefighting related injuries, and two house's where completely destroyed. Two EMS units from Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS responded to this scene to setup two Rehabilitation areas and conducted Rehab activities for the Firefighters on scene. Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS where assisted by Marshalls Creek EMS & Wind Gap EMS who where requested to provide transportation to local Hospitals should they be needed, as well as assist with Rehab. Approximately 35 Firefighters where treated at these staging areas. Rehab is extremly inportant to Firefighters especially during the summer time months as heat exhaustion, dehydration can occur very rapidly. Proper rehabilitation gives the Firefighters a chance to take there gear off and allow there bodies to cool down, as well as rehydrate themselves with Ice cold water. Vitals are also taken from each firefighter at the rehab sites and recorded to maintain a record of there Physical conditioning, and to curb problems with Firefighters before they occur at a scene. Firefighters from the following Fire Companies responded to the scene, Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Co., Portland Hook & Ladder Co. #1, Delaware Water Gap Fire Co., Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co., Lower Mount Bethel Fire Co., Marshalls Creek Volunteer Fire Co. Photos of the fire scene will be coming online shortly.

2-17-2008: Significant Staffing changes are announced at Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS. Due to Severe Financial restraints, the Board of Directors at Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS had to release two Part Time staff members and reduce the Payroll hours amongst the remaining Staff. This sharp cut in payroll would not of been possible without the sudden influx of Volunteer EMT's & Drivers from the Delaware Water Gap Volunteer Fire Co.. The Dedication of these Volunteers are greatly appreciated and will allow Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS to continue 24/7 coverage while saving a significant amount of money. As of this news release 6 new volunteers from the Delaware Water Gap Volunteer Fire Co. have Joined our team in the last 4 months with several more applicants in the process. Please welcome them to our area when you see them.

2-3-2008: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS has released their quarterly newsletter

1-15-2008: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS is currently raising the funds needed to hookup to the Portland Borough Sewer system. Our anticipated cost for this service is approximately $5,000.00 and is needed by the spring of 2009. Anyone interested in donating to this fundraiser, Please Contact Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS using the numbers listed on the CONTACT US page

1-15-2008: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS is currently raising the funds needed to purchase the Radio Communications equipment that is needed to comply with the Northampton County 911 communications 500 MHZ upgrade program. Our Total anticipated cost for this project is $20,000.00. Equipment needed for this Project includes New Mobile Radios for the Ambulances & Officers, Portable radios for Officers & Responding crews, Pagers for all Personal, and a Base station. Northampton County 911 communications requires this program to be implemented by all stations it services by January 1st 2009. As of 1-4-2008 we have already received $9,969.29 from the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Grant for the Year 2006-2007. Anyone interested in donating to this fundraiser, Please Contact Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS using the numbers listed on the CONTACT US page

1-4-2008: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS received word today by the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner a grant of $9,969.29 for the year of 2006-2007 will be awarded later this year toward the purchase of Radio Communications equipment that is needed to comply with the Northampton County 911 communications 500 MHZ upgrade program.

7-9-2007: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS responded to a Residential Structure FIre with entrapment. 1 fatality reported once on scene, Rehab conducted on 20 fire fighters. Photo's are available online.

7-8-2007: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS Launches their brand new website. This site was designed and is maintained by our volunteers.

7-3-2007: Portland & Upper Mount Bethel EMS responded to a Commercial Structure Fire call at Doughboy's of Mount Bethel. Rehab conducted on 65 fire fighters. 1 fire fighter transported for minor injuries. Photo's are available online.