Haywood opens new EMS base near Lake Junaluska
A group of county employees and elected officials cut the ribbon on the new EMS base.
Kyle Perrotti photo
A new EMS base in Haywood County is now operational.
The base was completed earlier this year. It is part of efforts by Haywood County leaders to improve emergency services coverage and response times. The base, centrally located near the intersection of Russ Avenue and Mauney Cove Road, should do just that with close proximity to Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley and Jonathan Creek.
The base cost about $3.5 million and was paid for with about $2.1 million in funds made available via the American Rescue Plan Act. About $270,000 came from the federal Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund, and about $1.1 million came from county interest earnings on investments.
In 2019, the county commissioned a study to analyze EMS response and determined that more ambulance bases would be needed to cut those times down and provide more efficient life-saving service. Along with the new base off Russ Avenue, the county also approved a nearly $2.1 million contract to redevelop the Clyde Armory so that it can serve as an EMS base.
“By doing this, we can cut down on response times,” said Haywood County Commissioner Kevin Ensley. “I think there’s a couple more we’re going to be doing.”
While there is an ambulance stationed in Maggie Valley, if that one is already responding to a call or transporting a patient, this new ambulance base will provide quick access, cutting about three to four minutes off of response time to that area when its ambulance is already in use. Those minutes can mean everything when there’s a life on the line.
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Along with a large, heated bay capable of keeping three ambulances, the new base also has bunk rooms for people on shift work, an office, a day room and a full kitchen. The goal, once the necessary staff adjustments are made, is to man the base and keep a truck running out of it 24 hours a day.
The bay can house three ambulances and should allow for one truck to be operational 24/7. Dillon Huffman photo
Haywood County EMS Director Travis Donaldson offered a few words ahead of the ribbon-cutting. During that time, he talked about how the base is an investment in the community.
“By placing our crews in a modern, purpose-built facility located closer to where calls occur, we will reduce response times and continue improving patient outcomes across the district.”
Donaldson thanked the commissioners for their “leadership and commitment to public safety,” as well as County Manager Bryant Morehead for funding the project from “concept to completion.”
“Most importantly, I want to recognize the men and women of Haywood County EMS,” Donaldson said. “You are the heart of the agency. You respond at all hours, in all conditions, and provide exceptional care with professionalism and compassion. This new base was built for you; to give you the space, resources and environment you deserve. Supporting you means better service for our community, and this building is a direct investment in your wellbeing and success.”
