Anderson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Anderson County EMS is the sole provider of 911 emergency medical services for Anderson County, Kansas. The emergency service area encompasses 586 square miles with a population of 7,836 and includes the rural communities of Bush City, Colony, Garnett, Greeley, Harris, Kincaid, Lone Elm, Mont Ida, Scipio, Welda, and Westphalia. 

As a department of Anderson County Hospital, Anderson County EMS also assists with patient care in the Emergency Department in addition to inter-facility transfers.

Anderson County EMS employs Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), and paramedics who are certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). 

Volunteer apparatus operators are called upon to provide additional support.

Services

The Anderson County EMS fleet includes four ambulances, an SUV and emergency response trailer, and an equipped UTV for off-road patient transport. Two ambulances are staffed full-time with two additional ambulances standing ready to deploy with on-call support. One ambulance is housed at the Colony Fire Station. 

Anderson County EMS works closely with the Anderson County Communications Center using ProQA decision support software, which allows the dispatcher to quickly narrow down the caller's type of medical or trauma situation, dispatch emergency services, and guide callers through life-critical instructions before the ambulance arrives. 

Additionally, Anderson County EMS works alongside the Anderson County Fire Protection District and City of Garnett Fire Department to sustain a county-wide Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program.

Volunteer operator program

Since 2021, Anderson County EMS has utilized volunteer apparatus operators to assist in response to a variety of emergency calls, typically during a time of high call volume or mass trauma situation, or to assist with emergency standby for community events. 

Volunteers operate EMS vehicles to assist in the delivery of personnel, patients, and equipment to and from the incident scene. They may also assist with other tools and equipment, including patient movement devices. 

Using volunteers in this limited capacity enables the department to further extend their emergency response capabilities while allowing employed staff to focus on direct patient care.

Minimum requirements

Volunteers must have a valid Kansas driver’s license, approval as a covered driver, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Upon approval, volunteers must also complete the emergency vehicle operations course and volunteer on-boarding and orientation programs provided through the hospital.

Please complete the contact form to the right or call 785-204-7194 to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Anderson County EMS.

Community and youth education programs

Community education

Anderson County EMS is a certified training agency for the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Surgeons (ACS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and National Association of EMTs (NAEMT). 

Current course offerings include:

• Hands-Only CPR (AHA)
• CPR/AED (AHA)
• First Aid (AHA)
• Stop the Bleed (ACS)
• Until Help Arrives (FEMA)
• First on the Scene (NAEMT)

Anderson County EMS offers training and instructional demonstrations to the general public throughout the year. Training courses are also made available to Anderson County area businesses, organizations, or other groups upon request. 

Explorers program

Exploring is an inter-agency program that teaches important life and career skills to young people through immersive experiences and mentorship. Anderson County’s Explorer Post #8008, chartered by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, provides area youth (ages 14 to 20) the opportunity to explore a variety of first responder career fields including fire suppression, technical rescue, emergency medical services, and law enforcement. The exposure and interactive activities help youth pursue their special interests, grow confidence, and develop leadership skills as they consider a future career path.

Please complete the contact form to the right or call 785-204-7194 to learn more about the community and youth education programs offered through Anderson County EMS.

Continuing education and career training

Anderson County EMS is a Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) continuing education provider. The current course offerings include:

• Emergency Medical Responder
• Emergency Medical Technician
• EMS Continuing Education 

Please complete the contact form to the right or call 785-204-7194 to learn more about upcoming career courses and how to enroll.

Awards and recognitions

• 2022 Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association Administrator of the Year
• 2023 Kansas Emergency Medical Services Community Service Award
• 2023 Grant from MFA Oil Foundation (mobile radio communications equipment)
• 2023 Northeast Kansas Health Care Coalition Mini-Grant (triage training equipment and facility evacuation kit)
• 2023 USDA Community Facilities Grant (funding toward purchase of new ambulance)
• 2024 Kansas Pipeline Association Grant (funding toward purchase of new SUV)

Career opportunities

Anderson County EMS employs EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics in full-time, part-time, and PRN positions. Check out the Saint Luke’s Careers page for current job postings.