(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission has received more information regarding the possible new location for the county EMS service.
Commissioners met Tuesday to gather input from the public and key county officials on the proposed move.
Commission Chair Jeff Schuele says some of that input came from EMS personnel, who told Commissioners they felt as though patient care would not be effected with the change. He says “the reasoning was is that they expect first responders to beat them to the scene. I really think we are fortunate here in Atchison County that we have a pretty good first response team in the western district as well as the eastern district and the city of Atchison. I think still the concern is...the response time. Minutes and seconds do count for lives. Like anything, there is no guarantee that a first responder can get there in time, so its really about who the person is, how they get handled on scene, sometimes before the first responders.”
Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking was present at the meeting, and he raised the possibility of having county services merged with city services. He says “we have had conversations about whether it's possible to look at merging the Fire Department and EMS in the future....haven't had anything real in depth, and haven't put pencil to paper yet. It's a thought that we want to explore to see if there is a cost savings to the community by making that move. Prior to 1995, we housed both EMS and Fire at it's current location, so we believe we can do that again.”
Schuele says a merger is another option, but officials from both the city and county would have to meet and plan out the specifics if it were to take place.
The Commission decided to table further discussion on the issue until Commissioner Bill Pohl, who was not present due to illness, is able to offer his input.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
One dead following Jackson Co car-deer collision
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
LATEST STORIES
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
One dead following Jackson Co car-deer collision
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
KS DCF provides dollars for youth lunch
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Paxico man arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges