Twitter

By Paul Chasko

The new Union Township/JHAAA (Jefferson Hills Area Ambulance Association) Response Center opened on Saturday, June 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. Attendees were able to inspect the garage area, living quarters and communication center to be used by the JHAAA emergency responders.

(Lto R) Asst Chief Mike Horgos, EMT/P, Asst Chief Robert Gibson, RN, NRP, PA Representative Rick Saccone, Ed Frye, Twp Supervisor, Jonathan Madaras, NRP, Lenny Bailey Elrama VFD, Steve Parrish, Twp Supervisor, Chief Doug Pascoe, PHRN, Former Twp Supervisor Linda Evans, Paul Chasko, Twp Supervisor, Larry Sparr, Twp Supervisor, Ashley Wolfe, EMT

State Representative Rick Saccone was on hand, as were members of the Finleyville and Elrama Volunteer Fire Departments. Union Township was represented by Board of Supervisor members Larry Spahr, Paul Chasko, Steve Parish and Edward Frye, Sr. Former Board Chairperson Linda Evans Boren was also in attendance, representing the prior Board that initiated the project. Quite a number of JHAAA personnel were on hand, including JHAAA Chief Doug Pascoe and Assistant Chief Bob Gibson.

"The near-central location of the Center in the township will significantly improve the response time for ambulance calls in Union Township," said JHAAA Assistant Chief Robert Gibson, RN, NRP. "We've measured response times for several locations throughout the township and are pleased with the improvements. All medical emergency responses will benefit, but victims of stroke and serious heart attacks may have a better medical outcome with the improved response times. Minutes can be critical in these instances." An example was noted of a four-minute response time from this site to the Finleyville Giant Eagle to save a heart-attack victim recently.

A light lunch, soft drinks, and cookies were available courtesy of Finleyville Giant Eagle. Blood pressure monitoring and "Hands Only" CPR instructions were offered by JHAAA personnel. A representative was also on hand to offer information on the AHN (Lifesquare) pilot program, which gives emergency responders immediate access to a member's medical information.

Grants for this project were unsuccessfully applied for in 2012 and 2013. The project went ahead regardless, with local share funds (slots earnings) and on the strength of the auditor's suggestion that the township had sufficient carryover funds that had accumulated. The total cost for the building addition was $401,564 and was paid for entirely from local share funds. No local tax dollars were used for this project.

Click on "Gallery" for more photos of this event by Paul Chasko

• < Prev
• Next >