It’s been almost a year since the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors approved emergency medical services (EMS) as an essential service.

The EMS Advisory Council was born after that meeting, and many Guthrie County residents may wonder how things are progressing. County Health Services Director Jotham Arber says that right now, the Council is currently in a phase where they are developing a plan that encompasses all parts of the county. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio what the Council is working towards.

“Our hope is to have the 2024 election be when we have something for folks to vote on. So that means by the end of this year, we need to have a plan out to the public so that they can see exactly what it is that we’re looking at in order to address the gaps in EMS services that we have and bolster the great services that we currently have.”

Arber adds that they really want to improve in areas where current services are lacking, and build up the strengths of what is in place. He explains that the eastern and southern parts of the county are well serviced, with the paid departments in Panora and Stuart, along with a volunteer service in Adair, but that the northwestern part of the county suffers extended wait times when calling for EMS services.

Arber mentions that once the Council has their plan completed, they will be submitting it to the different cities and fire districts throughout the county to get their feedback on it. Once they’ve edited it into something that everyone is okay with, they will then submit it to the Board of Supervisors.