A Ventura County Fire station in Ojai added a paramedic firefighter Monday, an addition that officials said will increase the level of care in the Ojai Valley.
Station 21 is located at 1201 East Ojai Ave., where an unveiling ceremony was held Monday morning.
Ventura County Fire Capt. Mike Lindbery said the effort to bring a paramedic to Ojai had been in the works for a year and a half.
“The benefit we have now is that the Ojai Valley will be well covered with paramedics,” Lindbery said, adding that the area tends to be more isolated than other cities in the county.
“That’s going to reduce response time and get advanced care to patients who are in serious need.”
Lindbery added that paramedics are better trained in responding to people who are in cardiac arrest or others who have difficultly breathing.
Fire officials said the new staffing plan will improve emergency medical services by reducing the time it takes for a paramedic to arrive on scene. The station was previously staffed with an emergency medical technician, and with the new addition, the paramedic-firefighter will service the city of Ojai along with one working in Oak View.
The fire department joined efforts with Lifeline Medical Transport and the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency to increase the staffing.
The fire department now has 12 paramedic units on duty each day, including 10 engines and two squads. They work closely with private transport services to provide quality emergency medical care in Ventura County, officials said.
Lindbery said the addition will cost about $50,000 a year, which includes salary, maintaining certification demands and upgraded equipment.
