Chase County hears EMS report; commissioners press for ambulance procurement details
January 31, 2026 | Chase County, Kansas
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Chase County commissioners on Jan. 30 heard a presentation on emergency medical services that outlined 2025 call volumes, staffing improvements and near‑term equipment needs.
The presenter said the county’s 2025 EMS call volume was slightly down compared with the previous year but remained higher than levels seen in comparable communities. He reported three medically related calls tied to a recent weekend event and 19 citizen‑assist calls, and said the department has increased staffing compared with last year and continues recruiting.
Discussion turned to ambulance procurement after a commissioner questioned the practice of paying for a new ambulance years before delivery. "Paying for an ambulance three years in advance is just ridiculous," one commissioner said, noting concern about large up‑front deposits. County staff agreed to gather information on deposit requirements, payment schedules and alternative vendors before making a purchasing decision. A county official added that most ambulance funding opportunities are federal and unlikely to be available before summer.
The board also approved sending an employee, Kara, to a CPR instructor course in March; course costs will be covered by donations and commissioners authorized payment for the employee’s time and incidental expenses.
What happens next: staff will collect procurement options, deposit and payment terms and report back to the board; federal funding timelines will also factor into any decision about replacing or adding ambulances.
The presenter said the county’s 2025 EMS call volume was slightly down compared with the previous year but remained higher than levels seen in comparable communities. He reported three medically related calls tied to a recent weekend event and 19 citizen‑assist calls, and said the department has increased staffing compared with last year and continues recruiting.
Discussion turned to ambulance procurement after a commissioner questioned the practice of paying for a new ambulance years before delivery. "Paying for an ambulance three years in advance is just ridiculous," one commissioner said, noting concern about large up‑front deposits. County staff agreed to gather information on deposit requirements, payment schedules and alternative vendors before making a purchasing decision. A county official added that most ambulance funding opportunities are federal and unlikely to be available before summer.
The board also approved sending an employee, Kara, to a CPR instructor course in March; course costs will be covered by donations and commissioners authorized payment for the employee’s time and incidental expenses.
What happens next: staff will collect procurement options, deposit and payment terms and report back to the board; federal funding timelines will also factor into any decision about replacing or adding ambulances.
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