The time it takes emergency responders to arrive on scene in Walnutport has led to some consternation.

Resident Ricky Smith suggested to borough council recently that it should look into what kind of coverage the borough is receiving.

“I think that there are some situations where they’re not staffing their rigs properly,” Smith said. “There’s an issue with service, and it’s not just here.”

Smith questioned why other rigs are in the area as often as they are, adding that he’s just noticed a difference in the last two weeks.

“It’s alarming to me to know that if someone in my family has to wait 20 minutes … 15 minutes is too long,” he said. “I’m just wondering why this is happening.”

Resident Ron Bauer Jr. suggested that council meet with their emergency responder immediately.

“The best thing I can say is sit down, have discussion with them,” Bauer said. “Sit down and have a discussion with NOVA (Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services).”

Smith reiterated it seems like there’s an extended response time for all emergency responders, and wondered why they’ve been taking NOVA’s calls.

“You see a lot of someone else’s rigs here in a short time, and I’m just wondering why this is happening,” he said. “I’m just bringing this to your attention because it’s alarming.”

Councilman Harold Greene said that the emergency room in nearby Palmerton closing means people either have to go to Lehighton or Lehigh Valley.

NOVA is a provider of emergency advanced life support and basic life support medical transportation services, and serves more than 45,000 residents and visitors to the community, which includes Walnutport and Slatington; Washington, Heidelberg and North Whitehall townships, and portions of Lowhill Township.

It has operations located in the Ormrod building, the “South” Station, along with the “North” substation in Slatington, and the “West” substation in Heidelberg Township.