Lead Mines Rescue Squad’s first responders will soon have a larger facility with upgraded service capacity. A contractor will start work just after Thanksgiving on a 2,400-square foot expansion and renovation of the existing interior at the squad’s location on US52/Fort Chiswell Road, just south of Fort Chiswell High School.
The combination paid and volunteer rescue squad provides basic and advanced lifesaving services for the eastern end of Wythe County, responding to approximately 1,500 annual calls in the district, which stretches from Max Meadows and Fort Chiswell to Barren Springs, Ivanhoe and Austinville, includes the intersection of Interstates 81 and 77, and all of Wythe County’s portion of the New River Trail. The squad also provides a search and rescue team tasked with water rescues, searches for missing persons, and extraction of patients from remote areas, like the Trail and the Big Survey Wildlife Management Area.
Lead Mines’ service calls have increased to the point where a new station is required to meet the area’s emergency medical needs. Recent Wythe County economic development announcements of nearly 3,000 jobs should drive an increase both in the county’s population and calls for emergency services. Lead Mines’ governing board has also been very successful with grant applications for new ambulances, with another expected to go into service by mid-2022.
“This expansion will give us the ability to staff up to three full crews to adequately respond to major emergencies and higher call volumes,” said Lead Mines Rescue Squad board chair Cody Jackson. “We’re grateful to the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and staff for working to give our first responders the tools we need to serve our communities’ emergency medical needs.”
The current station has limited staff quarters, decontamination facilities and parking space for ambulances. The existing building will be renovated to add a kitchen, common area, a second bathroom and shower, six bunk rooms, and a laundry room. The new addition will house emergency vehicles, medical equipment, and serve as a training area for squad members.
“It’s especially important for the current pandemic and future public health emergencies that our EMS responders are able to safely decontaminate after calls, washing themselves and their uniforms to protect the public and first responders’ families from viral spread,” said Jackson.
Wythe County is using its budget and American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project. Colt W. Simmons Construction of Mounty Airy, NC, won the construction bid.
“Installation of the additional building is part of a greater county effort to respond to public health emergencies,” said Matt Hankins, Wythe County’s Assistant County Administrator. “These needed updates will help prepare Lead Mines for future pandemic responses, and help create a safer county for both county residents and visitors for the next generation.”
Construction should be complete by May 2022.
