Oak Bluffs Fire/EMS Martha's Vineyard *NEW HOUSE OPEN

[Medic One]

Almost a year to the day from the start of construction, the Oak Bluffs fire department moved into the new $8.3 million Fire/EMS building on Wing Rd, on Sunday, December 6. There are still small list items to be fixed, computers to be installed but the new 20,250-square-foot, 12-bay station is up and operational. The are sleeping quarters, a gym, medical treatment area, decon area, two training rooms,  a full kitchen etc.....

The department is staffed by a combination of Paid Fire/Paramedics and Volunteers. Providing Fire / EMS Protection to the Town of Oak Bluffs on the Island of Martha's Vineyard. We also assist other local communities with Fire/EMS mutual aid. Oak Bluffs FD/EMS also provides off Island EMS ground transport for patients that need a higher level of medical care than what  Martha's Vineyard Hospital can provide after they provide initial medical stabilization.  Yes, that's right we take the Ambulance on the ferry and typically transport to Boston Area Hospitals (approx 3hr transport one way).

The station houses: An Ariel, Rescue, Dive Unit, Rehab Unit, Fire Command vehicle, 4 Engines, 4 Ambulances, and a Paramedic Quick Response Vehicle. In addition they also have have two boats on the water (MetalCraft 39.6 foot Jet Drive Boat and 19 ft skiff), a bicycle unit and separate house for the Antique and Museum. 

The house also features custom embroidered duty chairs with department patch 

About Martha's Vineyard: Martha’s Vineyard is approximately 96 square miles, roughly triangular in shape, 25 miles (42k) at it’s longest point east to west, and 9 miles (12.8k)  at the longest point north to south. The Vineyard is home to 15,000 year-round residents. During the summer months the population increases to 115,000. Sixty-three percent of the homes on the Vineyard belong to seasonal residents.  Martha's Vineyard is only accessible by Air and/or boat. A typical ferry ride is about 45 minutes to reach one of the two island ports.
 

**Oak Bluffs primary response area is about 26 sq miles.

[Just Plain Ruff]

What fire house would not be complete without the requisite recliners.  

 

but a very nicely done firehouse.  

 

I've been up to the vineyard a couple of times in my life, all before my life in EMS, but if I were to retire a rich man, I'd be likely to move there or somewhere similar.  

Edited December 18, 2015 by Ruffmeister Paramedic