JASPER, Texas — Jasper is getting ready to welcome an major upgrade to their emergency medical services with the opening of a new aircraft hangar and crew quarters within a few weeks.
The hangar, part of the growing Jasper Hospital District’s ongoing projects, will feature a helipad and enough space to accommodate a second helicopter, boosting the region's rapid response capabilities.
Jasper Hospital District Director Debra Harris says as Jasper emergency services switched to round-the-clock functionality, the hangar and crew quarters will enhance their efficiency in any emergency.
"We're wanting to bring health care back to Jasper that Jasper has lost throughout all these years," Harris said.
As a Jasper native, Harris has witnessed the decline of medical services over the years.
"I've seen a lot of doctors come and go. At one time, we had three, four, five surgeons here. Now we don't have any. We had all types of specialties. Right now we really don't have that," said Harris.
The new hangar, which will be 50x60 feet, will not only speed up emergency responses but also prepare for potential disasters by accommodating an additional helicopter and crew if needed.
"It's large enough that, if needed, we could have another helicopter and another crew, depending if there's a disaster up in this area," said Harris, “Across the street at the existing hangar, that space will now be used for ground EMS services."
Alongside the hangar, new crew quarters will provide much-needed facilities for the emergency teams. The quarters include a kitchen, laundry room, office space, a control room, bedrooms and bathrooms.
“When you go 24 hours, you have to have a place to sleep,” Harris said.
The entire project is funded through leases collected by the hospital district since 1996.
“The money that we’ve saved all these years has been from the rent that we’ve received,” Harris explained.
These new resources are a welcome sight in Jasper.
"I've had a lot of people come up and say, 'We love what you're doing. We're glad to see that you're trying to bring health care back. We're excited that new physicians are coming to town.'," Harris said.
The hangar is expected to be completed within weeks, while two new clinics are set to open in December.
More information about the clinics can be found on the Jasper Hospital District Facebook page.