Public Health - Seattle & King County and South King Fire & Rescue recently introduced a new King County Medic One unit for the Des Moines-Federal Way area.

The new paramedic unit - known by its call sign as Medic 13 - is quartered at South King Fire & Rescue Station 26 in Des Moines.

Its primary service area is 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.

An analysis by the King County Emergency Medical Services Division, King County Medic One paramedics, and fire departments demonstrated the demand for Medic 13 and the service location across the region.

Medic 13 was identified for implementation as part of the current 2002-2007 Emergency Medical Services 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 units respond 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.