A new $8 million ambulance station has opened in Willaston.
Located on Main North Rd, the new station is the headquarters for 28 ambos who will provide coverage across Gawler, Willaston, Evanston and surrounds.
With accommodation for two 24/7 SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) crews, garage space for up to five ambulance vehicles at any one time, and external parking for two light fleet vehicles, this facility more than doubles the capacity of the former station in Murray St, that was almost 50 years old.
It also features a dedicated training room, providing ongoing skills development and ensuring continued high-quality training and support for our incredibly hard working and capable paramedics and ambulance officers.
A new publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been install
ed outside the new station, providing the community with 24/7 access to life-saving equipment.
Clear signage and guidance from Triple Zero call takers will help anyone respond in a cardiac emergency – the AED is simple to use and requires no prior training.
Every minute defibrillation and CPR is delayed to a person suffering a cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent.
SA Ambulance Service Chief Executive Rob Elliott said Gawler crews responded to 6700 calls for help last year.
"This new ambulance station will better support our response to this fast-growing community," Mr Elliott said.
"It has been carefully designed to provide our crews with the modern facilities they need to deliver high-quality care and continue developing their clinical and leadership skills."
He said importantly, Gawler would now offer a publicly accessible AED.
"AEDs are a vital tool that empowers community members to act quickly in cardiac emergencies before our crews arrive," Mr Elliott said.
An open day was held to celebrate the opening of the new station, where the community was invited to tour the new facility, meet paramedics, explore opportunities to volunteer with SAAS and enjoy family-friendly activities.
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