Iron County signs MOU to accept state-funded ambu-bus for mass-casualty response

Iron County approved a memorandum of understanding with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to accept and equip a retired school bus with a state-provided retrofit kit to create an 18-person transport/triage asset (referred to in the meeting as an 'ambu-bus').

Cassie Meredith of Iron County Emergency Management said the kit and upfit are fully funded by the state and cause no damage to the bus, which can be converted back to a school bus if needed. The asset is intended for rapid deployment in mass-casualty incidents in southern Utah and would be available through EMAC for interstate mutual aid when requested.

Staff said the operational details (storing, maintaining, and staffing) will be handled in coordination with regional ambulance providers; Gold Cross Ambulance has been identified as a likely staffing partner. The agreement contemplates the county acquiring a retired district school bus and installing the kit with state support; the MOU establishes authority and the relationship between the parties.

A commissioner moved to approve the MOU; the commission voted in favor and the motion carried. County staff will execute the agreement and coordinate next steps on storage, training and staffing.