CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Firefighters and paramedics celebrated the opening of Fire Station 3, Camp Arifjan's new joint emergency service station, during an uncoupling ceremony Oct. 10.
Firefighters and paramedics celebrated the opening of Fire Station 3, Camp Arifjan's new joint emergency service station, during an uncoupling ceremony Oct. 10.
Emergency service personnel selected the conclusion of Fire Prevention Week to mark the opening of the new station.
"This station stands as a testament to the focus and dedication of the Area Support Group-Kuwait and fire and emergency services," said Maj. Leviticus Huff, director of emergency services. "This facility preserves our quality of life and enhances the health, safety and welfare of Camp Arifjan."
The station will house two fire companies and one emergency medical service team and will provide 24/7 support to their area of responsibility, said Huff.
"This facility is one of four fire stations on Camp Arifjan," said Mark Lawler, fire chief of Area Support Group-Kuwait. "These stations provide support to the service members and civilians stationed on base."
According to Lawler, housing firefighters and paramedics out of the same station will enable a significantly faster response after a call for emergency services.
"We can respond to any emergency within our area of responsibility inside of three minutes," said Andrew Smith, fire captain of Fire Station 3.
"In emergency medical service, time isn't money, time is life," said Aaron Duncan, a paramedic with George Washington University. "The quicker we get to our patient the better it turns out for them."
According to Huff, the station gives the staff and professionals the resources needed to respond in the shortest time possible.
"This new facility allows medical personnel to have all of their equipment set up in their vehicles for a faster response time to an emergency," said Duncan.
In addition to other facility improvements, the station is equipped with a training room that will provide service members with cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and basic fire fighting skills, said Smith.
"We ask you to do a lot and often times in poor conditions," said Col. Jeff Stewart, commander of ASG-Kuwait. "This is a step forward."
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