An Advanced Life Support unit based in Tamaqua and operated in partnership with the Lehighton Ambulance will cease operations on June 1.

It won’t mean a pause in ALS services, ambulance officials said.

“Also expected June 1, Tamaqua Ambulance will be launching its own independent ALS service,” according to John Cray, chief of Tamaqua Ambulance.

He said that licensing for the Tamaqua ALS service is scheduled in early May with June 1 as a start date.

There will be no gap in ALS coverage as the transition occurs. Cray said the ambulance is securing equipment, medications and other resources to ensure a seamless start.

Additionally, many of the paramedics who will staff the “new” ALS service are personnel who currently work for the ambulance.

“Lehighton Ambulance will remain a valued partner in the region and will serve as second due ALS coverage when Tamaqua Ambulance is committed on a call within primary response areas,” Cray said.

The Tamaqua ALS unit will be dedicated to 911 emergency responses. It will not offer nonemergency transports or staging outside of its primary area unless requested through the county’s 911 center. Tamaqua’s Basic Life Support services will continue responding to emergency calls and making non-emergent medical transports.

Keith Heckman, administrator of the Lehighton Ambulance Association, thanked the borough for its support.

“We are especially grateful for the shared ALS unit which is based at the Tamaqua Ambulance facility and dedicated to 911 emergency responses,” Heckman said in a letter to the borough.

The Tamaqua ambulance serves Tamaqua, Coaldale and the townships of Rush, Schuylkill and Walker.