GEORGETOWN, Del.- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the completion of expansion of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Complex.
The complex underwent a two-year, $12 million improvement project aimed at creating a consolidated public safety facility for 9-1-1 dispatchers, paramedics, and other first responders. Many members of the Sussex County EMS and County Council gathered for this milestone moment.
The Sussex County Emergency Operations Facility first opened in 2008, but as the county grows, so does its need for resources.
Todd Lawson, Sussex County Administrator, expressed, "Sussex County is growing, and this is just another example of the County Council and the county government expanding along with the county. Whether it's our population, the number of visitors, or tourists who come to our area, we have to be able to provide the services they come to expect. Public safety is number one."
Multiple simulation rooms were constructed to support ongoing education and training for paramedics.
Rob Mauch, EMS Deputy Director for Sussex County elaborates, "It might involve recertifying for cardiac certifications like advanced cardiac life support or CPR certification, or it might be learning how to use a new piece of equipment."
Training on the use of whole blood has already proven to be impactful, with multiple life-saving administrations already performed.
Sussex County EMS now joins the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center and the 9-1-1 callboard in operating from this newly expanded facility.
This 20,000-square-foot expansion now serves as the administrative headquarters and state-of-the-art training facility for the Sussex County EMS department.Â
