KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health – Seattle & King County and South King Fire & Rescue introduced the new King County Medic One unit for the Des Moines and Federal Way area.

The new paramedic unit – known by its call sign as Medic 13 – is being quartered at the South King Fire & Rescue Station #26 in Des Moines. The primary service area for Medic 13 will include Des Moines, Federal Way, SeaTac, Kent and Normandy Park. Medic 13 will also provide backup, as needed, for the other seven paramedic units in King County Medic One. Service began on September 1, 2006.

“Medic One is one of our great community assets, and we’re pleased that we can add this additional service to meet the growing needs of south King County,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.

The demand for Medic 13 and the service location was demonstrated by a careful analysis by the King County Emergency Medical Services Division, King County Medic One paramedics, and fire departments across the region. Medic 13 was initially identified for implementation as part of the current 2002-2007 EMS Strategic Plan.

“The staffing of Medic 13 has been a huge success for the communities of Des Moines, Federal Way, SeaTac, Kent and Normandy Park,” said South King Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Al Church. “This strategic location has improved response times for vital paramedic services in south King County.”

“Placement and timing of paramedic service are critical issues. Medic 13 is strategically located to maximize its impact on response times and paramedic workloads, and to work efficiently with other paramedic units,” said Tom Hearne, Emergency Medical Services Division manager for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

King County Medic One responds to over 12,000 calls per year in south King County, including trauma, sudden cardiac death, and serious chronic diseases. All King County Medic One paramedics are trained at the University of Washington Paramedic Training Program.

For more information on King County Medic One, visit www.metrokc.gov/health/medicone

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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