New Paramedic Base Launches in Durham to Enhance Services

A new paramedic base officially opened in Durham on March 15, 2024, marking a significant step in expanding emergency services in the region. This facility is the first of five bases planned by Grey County over the next four years to meet the rising demand for paramedic services.

A sizeable crowd attended the open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new base on the corner of Chester Street and Grey Road 4, adjacent to the forthcoming West Grey Police Service building, which is anticipated to be completed later this year. The state-of-the-art facility, costing $2.4 million, spans approximately 6,000 square feet, providing more than three times the space of the previous base located near Durham Hospital.

Kevin McNab, the Director of Paramedic Services for Grey County, emphasized the importance of the new base, stating, “This facility allows us to have a new base, which it was time for in the town of Durham.” He highlighted that the expanded space would accommodate not only 911 paramedics but also community paramedics and supervisory staff.

The development of this base is part of a broader strategy to enhance paramedic services in Grey County, initiated following a comprehensive deployment review conducted by Operational Research in Health in 2022. This review recommended the establishment of six new bases throughout the county, alongside the addition of nearly a dozen ambulances, two new supervisors, and increased staff hours weekly.

McNab noted that the review predicted a 5.8 percent annual increase in call volume, which has already reached 5.9 percent this year. He indicated that midway through the year, call volumes were up 8.3 percent compared to the previous year, underscoring the necessity for improved services.

One of the critical objectives of the new facility is to enhance response times, particularly in rural areas. The Durham site was strategically selected for its quick access to major county roads. “What we are trying to do is improve upon our response times in our more rural areas,” McNab explained.

The expansion plan includes additional bases in Feversham, Ayton, Thornbury, and Cobble Beach, with construction in Feversham set to commence later this year. McNab stated, “We have ambulances where our most populated areas are, but we also want to put them into more rural areas to improve those response times.”

Grey County utilizes predictive tools to assess call volumes and response times, which aids in informed decision-making regarding service enhancements. McNab acknowledged the financial implications of these developments, stating, “We respect the fact that these are all costs and it is very expensive, but at the same time you still need to respond to the call volumes.”

The county originally allocated $3 million for the new base but discovered savings due to lower-than-expected professional fees, with much of the design work completed in-house. The design of the new facility was inspired by the Craigleith base, which opened in 2012, and will serve as a model for future projects.

The new base is designed to be solar-ready and net-zero, aligning with Grey County’s Climate Change Action Plan. “In Grey County, we understand that strong communities are built on strong foundations, and our paramedics are fundamental to that,” said Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County Warden. She praised the paramedics for their critical role in providing life-saving care during emergencies.

Funding for the base comes from a reserve specifically established for this purpose, as well as land ambulance development charges and a debenture. The county invested $150,000 to purchase land from the Municipality of West Grey and contributed $200,000 towards shared road servicing infrastructure with the adjacent police facility.

The police station, valued at $8.8 million, is also under construction by Domm Construction, with an expected completion date in December 2024. West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the county, stating, “It has been a pleasure for West Grey to partner with the county on doing this.”

This new paramedic base not only represents a commitment to enhancing emergency services in Grey County but also exemplifies the county’s dedication to adapting to community needs and improving public safety.