Pa. City`s Mayor Defends Decision on Backup Ambulance Service

March 29--WILKES-BARRE -- Mayor Tony George on Monday defended his decision to make Trans-Med Ambulance the primary backup for ambulance service in the city, saying the company charges less than competitors in bordering municipalities.

In fact, the for-profit company charges even less than what the city's own ambulance bills, he said.

"They are charging $100 to $200 (per call) less than what we charge. They are way under what we charge," George said. "It's more economical for residents."

The city has two ambulances in service and calls for back up when both are busy on calls.

Since October 2011, the city has been part of a mutual aid pact with ambulances in bordering municipalities.

Hanover's Medic 9 is back up for the southern end of the city, Kingston's Medic 13 handles Center City, and Plains' Medic 2 serves the northern part of the city. Trans-Med, based in Luzerne, is primary backup for the Heights, North End, and East End.

That will soon change when Trans-Med becomes back up for the entire city, like it was for a decade prior to the 2011 agreement, George said.

"I don't know why people are saying this is entirely new," George said. "It's easier for 911 to call one ambulance."

The move has drawn criticism from emergency responders and others since news of the change broke late last week. Those who have spoken out against the decision include former city Mayor Tom Leighton and former chief paramedic with the Wilkes-Barre fire department Sean Chandler, both were involved in developing the current response system.

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2055 @cvbobkal

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