The Coaldale Fire Department and the Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association are partnering on a Quick Response Service.

Coaldale Councilman Jacob Adamitis told fellow council members that the service began Monday.

“Basically a lot of times you call for an ambulance and you don’t get them right away. They’re tied up at the hospital or whatever, and you’re waiting for hours,” Adamitis said.

Through the new service, Adamitis said the fire company will respond to medical emergencies if the ambulance is busy.

The department will have trained members on hand to provide pre-hospital treatment and stay with the caller until the ambulance arrives, he said.

“As far as QRS, it actually worked out very well today because we had our first call,” Adamitis noted.

- Jill Whalen