swirth@pwwemslaw.com

   Steve has 30 years of experience as an EMT, paramedic, flight paramedic, EMS instructor, fire officer, and EMS administrator. He is currently one of the three members of the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), the national ambulance service accrediting body. 

    Steve is a frequently sought-after speaker at regional, state and national conferences on a variety of EMS, fire service and public safety subjects. He has authored numerous articles on a variety of EMS management, risk management, corporate compliance and workplace law topics. He is a contributing writer for the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) and The EMS Insider. Steve co-authored the highly acclaimed Ambulance Service Guide to HIPAA Compliance (now in its third edition); The Ambulance Service HIPAA Privacy and Security Video; Better Billing: The Ambulance Service Model Compliance Plan; and The Ambulance Service Model Personnel Handbook -- all produced by PWW.

    Steve graduated cum laude from Duquesne University School of Law and was a member of the school’s national trial advocacy competition team. In addition to his law degree, Steve has a Masters Degree in Health Services Administration from Gannon University in Erie, Penn. He remains in touch with patient care and field provider issues as an active EMT and nationally certified firefighter with the Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company, where he serves as the medical officer.

    Steve is also a life member of the Nippenose Valley Vol. Fire Co. near Jersey Shore, Penn., where he started his public safety career as a junior firefighter and later served as Lieutenant and then Deputy Fire Chief. He also serves on the Executive Boards of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute, and the Initial Life Support Foundation (formerly known as the AED Instructor Foundation).