PAOLI, PA — A new Paoli Fire Company Emergency Medical Services substation opened Feb. 3 at the Echo Lake senior living community in Malvern, reducing response times to both Echo Lake and residential neighborhoods in northern Tredyffrin Township.
The substation is a joint effort between Paoli Fire Company, which is staffing the station with a paramedic between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays, and Echo Lake, which is providing free office and parking space at 900 N. Atwater Drive, within the community’s wellness center.
Paoli Fire was already studying the need for an EMS substation when officials learned that a roadway improvement project will reduce a portion of Morehall Road from four lanes to two for about nine months. Paoli Fire Company Advanced Life Support Coordinator Timothy Wert estimated that resulting traffic delays would add up to ten minutes to response times beyond the construction zone, making the need for a substation more urgent.
“Echo Lake offered the perfect solution,” Wert said. “Having a paramedic right here is going to significantly cut down the time between dispatch to care, and those minutes are really important.”
“Providing peace of mind is one of our commitments to residents and their loved ones at Echo Lake,” said Nicole Armstrong, BSW, CDP, the Wellness Navigator at Echo Lake. “This substation is a tremendous addition to our community and wellness program and helps fulfill our promise of a carefree living environment.”
The Echo Lake-based paramedic will utilize an SUV fully stocked with the medical equipment and supplies needed to immediately assess a patient’s condition and begin medical treatment. A transport ambulance will be simultaneously dispatched from the Paoli fire station in case the patient needs to be taken to the hospital.
The substation will also enable Paoli Fire Company to provide faster mutual aid response to East Whiteland, Charlestown, and Schuylkill townships when assistance is needed.
“This substation will be an important part of the care we provide to a large portion of our coverage area,” said Paoli Fire Chief Andrea Testa. “Thanks to Echo Lake, we can do this without taking on additional real estate costs.”
“We are thrilled this partnership worked out,” concluded Armstrong. “It is a win-win-win for Paoli Fire Company, Echo Lake, and the entire community.”
Paoli Fire Company
Paoli Fire Company’s team of career Firefighter/Paramedics and volunteer Firefighters, EMTs, Fire Police, Junior Firefighters, and Non-Emergency Volunteers work together to serve portions of Tredyffrin, Easttown, and Willistown townships as their primary EMS and fire company. Headquartered at 69 Darby Road in Paoli, PA, Paoli Fire Company is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. We are Neighbor Helping Neighbor since 1909.
Echo Lake Senior Living Community
Set on 25 acres in Malvern, PA, Echo Lake senior living community offers 250 well-appointed apartments in a place designed for an engaging, independent lifestyle. And should residents needs change, options for assisted living and memory care are available in the community. Resort-style amenities include multiple dining and gathering spaces, a salon and spa, a 4,500-square foot fitness and wellness center, a pickleball/tennis court, walking trail, theater, library, and The Sports Simulator Lounge, which allows golfers to play some of the best courses in the country regardless of weather.
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