Story Published: Dec 31, 2009 at 11:40 PM PST
Story Updated: Jan 1, 2010 at 12:26 AM PST
"Lewiston Fire Department moved crews in and moved their equipment in on Monday of this week," said Asotin County Fire Chief Noel Hardin. "We made our official switch over with dispatch at noon on Tuesday. And so they're officially working out of our department today. It's really kind of a history in the making to have a full time ambulance crew based right in the middle of Asotin County and we are really excited about that."
Hardin said the arrangement is the biggest improvement to medical services in the county in 30 years. He said even in the first few calls, response times have improved.
"That was really the whole goal, that historically areas that takes them 8 maybe 9 minutes to get to, they are getting to in 2 to 3 minutes so that's really a significant difference which is good for the citizens and that was the whole goal, we want to get you the quickest help as possible, we want that ambulance at your door step.” said Hardin.
Hardin said there is a lot more activity in the building now that a full time medic crew is in the station.
"Lewiston is basing one of their ambulances here and the fire district, we have our ambulance to back up that system so there are now two ambulances based at the fire district station," said Hardin.
