A new state-of-the-art Emergency Medical Service (EMS) station has opened on the South Boston Waterfront. With emergency calls in the neighborhood doubling over the past decade, the new $16 million facility represents a significant investment in the public health and safety of South Boston and the Seaport.

Located at 34 Drydock Ave in Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, adjacent to Pier 10, the station features a two-ambulance garage and amenities including a common area, kitchenette, showers, and a gym for EMS personnel.

On Monday, Department Chief James Hooley joined local elected officials, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association Emergency Medical Service Division President Jason Yutkins for a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating EMS’s hard work.

“As we all know, when somebody calls 911, minutes often matter. Having an ambulance available at the station in the neighborhood means that our crews are closer to the people who need them, and can begin providing care sooner,” Hooley said. “This station allows us to position additional Boston EMS resources here to serve not only the South Boston community, but the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Resources will not be shifted away from the ambulance crews that operate out of Boston Police District C-6, and new staff will be added to serve at both locations. With the new station, Hooley said EMS will be better fit to serve the surrounding neighborhoods and support Downtown or East Boston when needed.

Wu said that over the past decade, South Boston has been one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods and an economic engine for the city. With that growth has come a surge in emergency service calls that have put pressure on EMS units across the city. 

“The sooner our EMTs arrive at an incident, the sooner they’re providing critical care to those who need it most. That’s why for the past two years, our teams have been working hard to create a new station for us,” she said. “We are delivering on the needs of both residents today and the generations of residents to come.”

She added that the new station is also fully electric and part of the City’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate resistance. As part of the redevelopment of the public land on which the building sits, the City has also repaved the plaza and landscaped a small park with trees and other greenery.

Yutkins said the new station will provide EMS with facilities, resources, and space to prepare, recharge, and perform their highly demanding work. He added that it sends a message that their voices are being heard and their contributions to public safety are valued by the City of Boston.

“For the people who live, work, and visit here, this station represents something equally important. The reassurance that when an emergency happens, help is now nearby,” he said. 

As union president, Yutkins said his role is to advocate for EMS working conditions, but added that investing in the workforce and in public safety are not competing priorities. 

“When we give our EMTs and paramedics the facilities, equipment, staffing, and support they need, we strengthen their ability to deliver the exceptional care that every citizen of Boston deserves and expects,” he said.

Main image via Boston EMS, images via Jacob Downey