EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new medical facility and a “special air rescue transport service” will open in El Paso next month.

The El Paso Fire Department announced Monday that it has signed a five-year contract with private air rescue provider Air Methods.

The new partnership will create Fire STAR (Shock and Trauma Air Rescue), a “dedicated air rescue service to improve emergency medical care in the community,” Air Methods said in a statement.

The new Fire STAR headquarters, expected to be operational in September, will be located at Fire Station No. 35 in east El Paso and will care for seriously injured and ill patients who require immediate and specialized care.

“We are very pleased to partner with Air Methods to launch Fire STAR. This service will greatly enhance our ability to respond quickly to emergencies and provide the highest standard of care to our community,” said El Paso Fire Chief Jonathan Killings.

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