Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has formed a singular Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organization called Lehigh Valley Health Network - Emergency Medical Services (LVHN - EMS).

LVHN - EMS is comprised of West End Community Ambulance Association (WECAA), Effort, Monroe County; the former American Patient Transport System (APTS), Hazleton, and LVHN - MedEvac, Lehigh County.

While the community may see a new look of vehicles and branding, all three entities will retain the same staff and continue to provide the same services from the same locations in Luzerne, Monroe and Lehigh counties and surrounding communities. This includes CPR training and standby services for special events.

According to Bob Begliomini, Senior Vice President, LVHN, the Jan. 1 transition allows expansion of services and resources.

“Under LVHN - EMS, we plan to bolster our facilities’ existing capabilities, while still allowing them to maintain the hometown feel they have always had,” said Begliomini.

“This will be a smooth transition, as all three entities have always prided themselves on providing the highest quality care to our patients, and that will remain our priority,” Begliomini said.