Matt Dotray
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas
LUBBOCK, Texas — Lubbock’s UMC Health System had a ceremonial ground breaking Monday afternoon for its new EMS Station One and Communications Center.
University Medical Center, which operates ambulance services in Lubbock County, has multiple ambulance stations already in place. This new facility will replace an old ambulance station and feature a brand new 911 dispatch center, which is currently located in a leased facility in South Lubbock.
The new facility will be located near 9th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Jeff Hill, senior vice president at UMC, said the location was chosen because of its proximity to the Marsha Sharp Freeway, Interstate 27, East Loop 289 and of course MLK Jr. Boulevard.
Hill also believes it will help enhance the area — similar to what city officials said when they broke ground on the future police substation about 10 blocks south from the ground breaking on Monday.
The new station will be about 105,000 square feet, according to UMC, and will have notable features such as a new 911 communications tower, a dedicated generator for back-up power and a structure to withstand strong winds and tornadoes.
Thomas Moore, director of EMS, said the facility’s design allows for future growth as population increases and additional dispatchers and supervisors are needed.
“These new facilities will ensure our team continues to leverage technology to optimize resource management, clinician education and preparedness and operational workflow,” Moore said.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday afternoon at the site. Hill and Moore discussed EMS in Lubbock and the vision moving forward before officials at UMC turned dirt. Leaders from the city, county and EMS were also in attendance.
Hill said UMC is continuing to pursue best practices, and the new facility is helping prepare for growth.
“I want for you to rest tonight, and every night, assured that when you call 911 in Lubbock, you are getting the highest pre-hospital care available, provided by the most qualified team of professionals anywhere,” Hill said at the ceremony.
UMC hopes this new facility will open around December of 2020.
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©2019 the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas)