(Atlantic) This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, a time to recognize, thank and support all the people who provide emergency medical care to our communities.
Dr. Elaine Berry and Cass Health CEO Brett Altman spoke to KSOM/KS95 News about the importance of EMS.
The theme for National EMS Week is Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future. To help ‘Forge the Future”, EMS needs to be made an essential service in Cass County. EMS is not considered an essential service in Iowa, like law enforcement and fire departments, which essentially means that local government is not required to fund EMS.
EMS becoming an essential service will be on the ballot this fall in Cass County. One major reason why this is important is sustainability. The cost of sustaining the county-wide ALS ambulance availability has risen 218-percent in the past four years. Dr. Elaine Berry and Brett Altman said voting Yes for EMS will put tax money into a special fund specifically for EMS.
Dr. Berry also noted that Cass County has a great need for additional EMS workers.
Dr. Berry said it takes some work to become an EMT, but part of what they are hoping to provide with this tax measure is funding for people who might need help paying for those classes – that is one possible use of this tax levy.
The funds will be used throughout Cass County, not just the City of Atlantic.
