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Council weighs options as volunteers decline; EMS staffing and mutual aid discussed
Summary
Council members raised concerns about volunteer ambulance staffing and daytime coverage; options discussed included hiring paid EMTs, mutual-aid reliance, and outreach to nearby hospitals. A resident-reported 45-minute response claim was raised and disputed; council asked staff for data and a public follow-up discussion.
Council members spent an extended portion of the meeting on emergency medical services coverage and the borough’s reliance on volunteer EMTs.
Members said daytime coverage is the most challenging and that volunteers often work other jobs. One council member summarized a figure from prior materials: "daytime calls represent about 60% of our total." A resident's email alleging a 45-minute ambulance response was raised; another council member said that incident "did not happen" in town. Council members emphasized the need for verified data and options analysis before committing to hiring paid EMTs or other long-term changes. Ideas discussed included soliciting proposals from area hospitals, exploring mutual‑aid arrangements, or considering a paid-service contract. The mayor and council asked staff to gather facts and present options at a public meeting so the borough can make an informed decision.
No hiring or contract decisions were made at the meeting; the council set a follow-up timeline to receive proposals and data, and to discuss the matter in a publicly noticed session.
