BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) are celebrating the official opening of a new purpose-built ambulance dispatch centre, station and training facility on Leigh Road.
“The location of the new station puts ambulances closer to where the majority of our calls on the West Shore and the interchange provides timely access to the Malahat and View Royal,” said BCAS Chief Operating Officer Les Fisher. “The Leigh Road station and dispatch centre are comfortable, safe environments for our staff and support their efforts to provide the best care possible for our patients.”
This is the first facility of its kind for BC Ambulance Service because it was constructed specifically for dispatch and ambulance operations. Some of the unique features include 33 kilometres of cable to support the dispatch operations systems, removable floor for maintenance purposes and separate areas designed for paramedic and dispatcher training.
“The building is constructed to post-disaster standards so that 9-1-1 dispatch operations for Vancouver Island and ambulance service can continue following a major incident,” said Fisher. “It’s vitally important that patients impacted by a large scale emergency event are able to receive ambulance services and get the care they need.”
“The City of Langford prides itself on continual improvement and is pleased to welcome
BC Ambulance Service and its staff to our community,” said Langford City Councillor Lillian Szpak, who is also Chair, Protective Service for the City of Langford. “In addition to bringing dozens of jobs to the community, this new facility will also provide backup dispatch services for the CRD Fire Dispatch Centre, located within the Langford Fire Department.”