The new Perth County EMS building is having its grand opening today.
Linda Rockwood, director of emergency services, says one of the biggest improvements is the amount of space they now have.
"One of the things we have is lots of space," she says. "Originally, we were in a number of buildings. We had our administrative head in one place, our equipment and supplies in three or four places, and our paramedics at the hospital. It's allowed us to now consolidate all our resources to one location."
Another big component of the new building is the educational aspects involved, with two simulation rooms and a large conference room that's already been used by Southwest OPP for training exercises.
Rockwood says having that on-site educational aspect is really important.
"The one focus that we wanted was for the paramedics so they had somewhere to practice," she says. "Sometimes there are skills you don't reuse often, so it provides them an opportunity to practice, feel comfortable and confident in that skill set, so that when they do have to use it they're very comfortable."
Rockwood says she's very appreciative of the county's support in getting the new facility up and running, and hopes the facility becomes a point of pride in Perth.
The shovel that broke the ground at the new Perth County EMS building, hung proudly in the large conference room.
The ambulance simulation room at the new Perth County EMS headquarters.
The garage and supply storage area in the Perth EMS building.