PA State Medical Assistance Team

10/14/2025

In the early hours of October 11th, we lost an amazing paramedic, leader, mentor, and friend. Our President Charles Alfred Welsch passed away surrounded by his family and close friends after a long battle with cancer.

Chuck began his journey with SMRT in 2005. From that point on, Chuck shared his experience, wisdom, and knowledge with our members. He gave his time to train and respond with multiple of our programs. Over the past three years while he had his own battles, Chuck was determined to still give even more by serving the organization on our Board of Directors with this year as our President.

Charles not only served his community through his primary employment at the University of Pittsburgh Police Department starting in 2013. He didn’t stop there, he served as the Deputy Chief of Irwin EMS managing clinical care and community education plus a law enforcement officer with Ligonier Valley Police.

Chuck was always focused on how he could make things or people better. In his honor, let’s share one last smile from Chuck. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as all work through this tremendous loss.

04/30/2025

The strength of a rescue program lies in those who teach, lead, and inspire. John Soderberg, recipient of the PFBC Heroes of Water Rescue Award, has spent a lifetime doing just that—through Pittsburgh River Rescue, EMS and dive response, PA HART operations, and his years as a trusted instructor and mentor. His legacy lives in every responder he’s trained and every life they’ve helped save. Thank you, John, for shaping a safer, stronger rescue community.

10/03/2024

Pennsylvania Army National Guard Aviation/PA HART continues to support the mission in North Carolina.

09/30/2024

Another one of programs Special Medical Response Team is involved with - Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team - has deployed.

Please keep all those affected by and responding to assist those affected by these storms in your thoughts and prayers. Be safe.

07/15/2024

Our members had the privilege to work side by side with some amazing individuals this weekend.

09/12/2022

05/15/2022

11/24/2021

Saturday SMAT members participated in a work detail to prepare patient treatment package and in-service on the capabilities of the new Tempus cardiac monitor.
SEPA SMART

11/24/2021

In recent months, the Pennsylvania State Medical Assistance Team (PA-SMAT) has restructured. The team is made up of medical providers, administrative professionals, logistic specialists and numerous other individuals necessary in the mission to support the Commonwealth's healthcare systems to protect the citizens.

Previously there were two teams: Indiana SMAT and SEPA SMART. Now there is one team comprised of two divisions: SMAT-West and SMAT-East. Members continue focusing on working together to standardize equipment, training, and capabilities.

11/24/2021

Today SMAT members participated in the NDMS Patient Movement exercise hosted by the Pittsburgh Federal Coordinating Center (FCC) through the VA Office of Emergency Management, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and Healthcare Coalition of Southwestern PA. The Team worked with other community partners to assist in evaluating the FCC's plan.
Allegheny County Emergency Services
EMS West