By Bob Kalinowski
The Citizens’ Voice
AVOCA, Pa. — The Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association is now the primary first responder for all emergency medical calls in Avoca as a result of a pending merger with the Avoca Ambulance Association.
Avoca’s ambulance unit ceased operations on Saturday following four decades of service to the community, citing staffing shortages and a reduction in call volume.
“There will be a seamless transition and Avoca Borough will now enjoy all of the resources that the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance has to offer,” the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association said in a news release. “The Boards of Directors believe that this merger will pool the resources of both agencies to provide a more effective and efficient EMS system for our region and ultimately strengthen the provision of pre-hospital care.”
The merger of the organizations is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2025, officials said.
Avoca Ambulance serviced the boroughs of Avoca, Dupont, and Duryea for basic life support calls.
Following Avoca’s announcement, officials in Dupont and Duryea selected Hughestown Emergency Services for basic life support calls.
Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association, which is based in Pittston City and has a station in Exeter, will continue to be the main provider of advanced life support calls in each of the three towns.
Officials with Avoca’s ambulance said it was “impossible for us to maintain an optimal level of service” due to ongoing challenges and they made the “difficult but necessary decision” to merge with the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association.
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