x
Breaking News
More () »

Ambulance Service Pushing Ten Digits Instead of Three

LACKAWANNA COUNTY — When you need an ambulance, you call 911. It’s a lesson we are taught from about kindergarten on. But, an ambulance service that...
ambulancebillboard

LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- When you need an ambulance, you call 911. It's a lesson we are taught from about kindergarten on.
But, an ambulance service that operates in Lackawanna and Wayne and surrounding counties has its own number you can call, and it is spreading the word through billboards.

The billboards cropping up in Lackawanna and Wayne counties are drawing a lot of attention. The signs advertise an ambulance service and a number to call for help.

"It would confuse the issue. People are in the habit of calling 911, so it's what we do," said Paul Coleman of Moosic.

The billboards promote Commonwealth Health Emergency Medical Services. They read in part, "when every second counts", call them directly at 570-207-1911.

Some folks in Lackawanna County wondered, why not save yourself the seven extra digits?

"I find it more convenient to dial 911. In fact, I needed them just not too long ago and they were here in five minutes, so I think that would be confusing to people," said Sara Morgan of Old Forge.

Others liked the thought of calling their ambulance directly.

"I think it's a good thing to advertise them. A lot of people don't know of them yet and it's in a good spot," added Sue Burti of Old Forge.

Commonwealth Health told Newswatch 16 its new number is not intended to interfere with the 911 system we all know.

Commonwealth Health spokesperson Renita Fennick said, "CHEMS is the largest emergency medical services provider in northeastern Pennsylvania and can provide all types of emergency and medical transportation... In an emergency, individuals are encouraged to call 911."

If you call Commonwealth Health's direct number, that call goes here to the company's headquarters in Scranton. Officials tell Newswatch 16 they are equipped to handle emergencies if you call with one.

EMT's at other regional ambulance services have noticed the billboards, too. EMT's at William Walker Ambulance in Mayfield said 911 can find you the ambulance closest to where you are.

Also, Commonwealth Health's ten-digit number goes against what EMT's have taught for decades.

"They're taught that 911 is here to help you, but then, we're going to give them another phone number. They can call this one instead. How do they do know which one's better, which one's worse? Or if they're calling the right number to begin with," said William Walker EMT Tasha Burdyn.

The billboards started going up about a month ago. Commonwealth Health said its dispatch center is staffed around the clock.

Before You Leave, Check This Out