by Richard Uhlhorn
In his opening remarks, Chief Operating Officer Shawn Ottley said, “Our EMS is one of the best Emergency Medical Services in the country.” He honored the department saying their maintaining the highest level of experience is the key to their success.
Lake Chelan EMS is 50 years old and on Monday, September 30, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its long awaited building adjacent to the new Lake Chelan Hospital.
A number of residents and luminaries were in attendance to listen to speakers involved in the project.
Dean Gable – Hill International, will be the acting project manager of the building project. He said he is happy to be working with the talented and creative people assigned to the project. “We are looking forward to a robust new home for EMS,” he said.
Matt Puick – Graham Construction will be the contractor’s senior project manager for the project. “Chelan is a unique community and they have put a lot of trust in EMS. I’m looking forward to bringing this project on-time and on-budget.”
Architect Ellyn Freed – Forte Architects, is excited to be involved in the growth of the Valley.
Hospital CEO Aaron Edwards stated that this project was three years in the making. “Ray (Eickmeyer) can remember six different locations spread all over the place. They are now in a two story mobile home.”
Edwards also thanked the city, Erin McCardle and Planning Director John Ajax for shepherding the project through.
Edwards also remarked that Representative Michael Steel secured the vast majority of funding for the project. “This would not have happened if not for Mike Steele.”
Jordana La Porte, LCH board chair remarked that the new building will be more than a garage. “It will help the hospital be more effective.” She introduced Mike who said there is nothing more special than helping projects at home. Steele is the head of the legislative appropriations committee.
“I’m fortunate enough to have enough influence to make a small difference for people in the community,” said Steele. “I hope this facility will also.”
EMS Director Ray Eickmeyer told those in attendance that he is thankful for all the support the team gets.
The new facility will provide EMS emergency responders with a permanent home that will have shared indoor/outdoor living space, office spaces, sleep rooms and bathrooms for on-shift staff, an ambulance garage and dedicated training areas for staff and community education.
Community education includes CPR, First Aid & AED training, Paramedics program, Paratransit services and Event EMS standby. To inquire about these programs by email at ems@lcch.net or by phone at 509-682-3300.
For those interested, EMS and Lake Chelan Health will be providing construction progress and updates here: http://www.lakechelanhealth.org/ems-building project.
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