New EMS Station Brings Needed Space and Resources to Dare County
Southern Shores, N.C. Proudly Opens EMS Station 4
In the heart of Southern Shores, N.C., officials ushered in a new era of emergency medical service capability last Friday, marking the grand opening of EMS Station 4 by holding an expansive open house. The latest addition to Dare County’s EMS facilities, the station will be shared with the Southern Shores Fire Department, one of several new stations slated to launch within the year and the upcoming future.
Decades of Anticipation
Jennie Collins, Dare County EMS Chief, exuded enthusiasm as she showed visitors around the area. She stressed the relief and anticipation that this new infrastructure brings to her team, having dealt with tight quarters for over thirty years at their old station.
“They have been keenly waiting for this moment,” Collins stated. “The excitement is palpable — they’re even competing on who gets assigned first, a sentiment rarely seen before.”
Station 4 brings not only more room, but also enhanced functionality. Prior to this, the principal ambulances at the old station didn’t fit, and those that did were barely a breath away from the accommodations. This all changes with Southern Shores’ new hub.
A Real Estate Investment for Better Emergency Response
The Southern Shores location is only part of the larger plan, estimated to cost an impressive $43 million in total, which is part of Dare County’s Capital Improvements initiative. This entails multiple station upgrades in Kill Devil Hills and the installation of a MedFlight hanger in Manteo.
But why such a substantial investment for the county? Bob Woodard, Chair of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, highlights the steady rise in service calls. This increase necessitates the provision of more quality facilities and resources to help their EMS personnel to perform their duties efficiently and effectively. To this effect, the board gave the green light to the next phase of station developments earlier in the month.
Looking Ahead: Future EMS Improvements Planned
The new blueprint includes more infrastructural facilities in Manns Harbor and Kitty Hawk. Collins conveys that the Kitty Hawk station would enhance system resources, easing the pressure on outlets in Kill Devil Hills and Southern Shores. The budget for these improvements is earmarked at over $20 million. The initiation of construction on these future stations is expected to begin in a few short weeks.