Bath Borough has moved a step closer to disbanding its EMS service.

At the July 5 council meeting, Fire Chief Emilio DeNisi reported the Bath Fire Department investigated other services available to serve Bath. The fire department made the recommendation that Bethlehem Township EMS serve Bath. The recommendation was accepted by members of Bath Borough Council.

The next step is to have the recommendation finalized at council’s August meeting, after the Bath Fire Department approaches the Pennsylvania State EMS Council for its approval.

Earlier this year, council members learned Bath EMS has cost the Bath Fire Department about $100,000 over the last four years. Council then voted to have the fire department investigate alternative EMS arrangements. That would relieve the fire department of the continuing costs to operate its own EMS. Council then voted to accept the fire department’s future recommendation.

DeNisi reported his department was persuaded to choose Bethlehem Township for two reasons.

Firstly, Bethlehem Township EMS would possibly lease the Bath EMS station.

Secondly, it pledged to place an ALS ambulance in the current Bath ambulance station 12 hours per day to better serve Bath.

Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito said, “For me, patient safety is the bottom line. Our residents must be safe.”

DiNisi responded, “Patient care will not be affected.”

Greg Kuhn, of East Allen Township EMS, made a compelling argument asking council to reconsider.

East Allen Township EMS offered to purchase Bath’s EMS equipment but did not offer to place an ambulance in the borough. Kuhn again requested council members reexamine both proposals and reconsider their decision.

Council President Mark Saginario informed Kuhn that council voted earlier this year to agree to the fire department’s recommendation. Solicitor Blake Marles said council can reject the recommendation if they so choose. Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation.

DeNisi also reported the fire department is purchasing a mini-pumper that will respond to all calls, including EMS events. Trained EMS staff will travel with the mini-pumper to assist any ambulance calls.

“Our goal is to provide the best service to Bath residents we possibly can,” DeNisi said.

Reached after the meeting, Kuhn said an agreement with Bath would grow East Allen Township’s base coverage, increase call volume and, thereby, financially strengthen the township’s EMS.