By Karen Shuey

Reading Eagle

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. — Eight minutes is the most it takes, at least for now.

When an emergency call is made, seeking help for someone in urgent medical distress, responders across Berks County are able to arrive within eight minutes. That means it only takes eight minutes for someone suffering a heart attack or other life-threatening issue to get the help that may allow them to see another day.

But that crucially quick eight-minute span could be at risk.

Emergency services across the country are facing challenges, threatening response times, staffing and even survival.

Funding shortages are leading to financial strain, workforce shortages and insurance reimbursement shortages have highlighted the need for systemic reform.

The 13 EMS services in Berks — whic

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