Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces construction of city's first-ever EMS 'micro station'

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Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced on Monday (5/17) that Atlanta will start building the city’s first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) micro station.

The station would reduce its response times for the community. Around 85 to 90 percent of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) calls are EMS-related. The station will be located on a South-side city-owned property at 4532 Campbellton Road.

Mayor Bottoms stated in the press conference: “The Southwest Atlanta community has long needed enhanced emergency services in the area."

She added that the innovative expansion of the services "will ensure that residents have quality medical assistance nearby during their time of need.”

Utilizing City-owned property to construct a reduced-scale EMS facility

A new, full-sized fire station would usually cost up to $15 million. The micro station will allow the city to cut back government spending by stationing ambulances and other EMS vehicles at a relatively small location, giving a potential of a 60 percent savings for taxpayers.

On Monday, the City Council has approved up to $4 million in bonds that it will borrow to fund the construction. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation will also consider additional funding from the private sector.

The mayor's office has not said when the facility could be operational or how many ambulances will be stationed there. The fire department's EMS division is currently operating about 30 ambulances.

District 1 Councilmember Carla Smith has hailed the news: “As a health professional, I know firsthand how minutes and seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Thank you to all involved in this vital investment in our communities."

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