AKWESASNE -- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe established an ambulance substation unit March 1 based in Hogansburg that tribal officials say will augment existing ambulance services for the community.

The 1,600 square foot substation has been established in response to community member requests at monthly Tribal meetings.

The on-territory presence of a full-time Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit in Akwesasne improves response times, regardless of an emergency call’s origin in the territory. It will also reduce delays associated with roadside ambulance intercepts on route to the hospital.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has contracted with Seaway Valley Ambulance (SVA) to provide ALS staff and equipment to the substation.

The arrangement with Seaway Valley will entail SVA serving as primary responder for Akwesasne’s southern portion, with Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance (AMA) Service providing backup.

Conversely, the presence of an ALS ambulance unit in the territory will "significantly decrease" ALS response times for backup support for Akwesasne’s northern portion, the tribe claims.