HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A shortage of Emergency Medical Responders in rural Reno County will be addressed at an informational meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. next Tuesday in Conference Room B in the lower level of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Terry David, Chief of Reno County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), said the meeting is open to the public and encouraged city officials and those interested in pursuing certification as an EMS professional to attend the meeting.

“During 2016, Reno County EMS, working in conjunction with medical responders throughout Reno County, has responded to more than 6,000 calls which represent a significant increase over previous years,” David said. “Our goal for the meeting is to have a free exchange of information on how we can best provide emergency medical services to the 65,000 residents of Reno County.”

Topics under discussion include the possibility of Reno County EMS hosting Emergency Medical Responder and Technician classes in early 2017 to address the shortfall of trained personnel.

“There is a need for additional Emergency Medical Responders in the Nickerson area, as well as the far western section of the county currently served by Turon and Trailsweet Responders,” David said. “In addition, Pretty Prairie and Haven EMS are seeking additional responders.”

Reno County EMS has operated under the umbrella of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center since 1971 and in 2002 established a sub-station in Arlington, 20 miles southwest of Hutchinson to provide 24/7 care to an area that comprises nearly 40 percent of the county’s population.

Reno County EMS is staffed by 30 full-time paramedics capable of providing advanced life support along with one EMT and ten part-time employees. Additionally, four of the paramedics are also registered nurses.

For additional information, interested parties are urged to call David at 620-665-2121.