Reno County EMS efficiently tackling 2026 budget
May 14, 2025
Reno County Emergency Medical Services is staffed by 35 paramedics and eight EMTs. In most years they respond to more than 7,400 calls annually. However, data presented to the Reno County Commission on April 30, shows that the number of responses has been growing steadily.
Between 2017 and 2024, total EMS call volume surged by 32%, with patient transports rising by 19%. In 2024 alone, total EMS calls increased by 9.6%, while transports rose by 3.5%, according to Johnston. The first quarter of 2025 has already set record-high response numbers, indicating that this trend will continue.
The 2026 budget request of approximately $1.839 million, a 2.3% decrease from the previous year, even as call volumes continue to climb. The service has seen a 32% increase in overall calls since 2017 and is already up 10% in the first quarter of the current year compared to last.
One might ask how with an increase in needs, the budget can decrease.
The Hutchinson Regional Medical Center partners with the county to deliver emergency medical services. The annual budget presented to commissioners, while taking into consideration the increase in demand, requested that HRMC continue providing EMS services for Reno County to combat the different challenges factoring into the rise. From population growth along with an aging demographic to increased healthcare needs across the county, the partnership has been beneficial, even on a fiscal level.
Johnston explained that the partnership with HRMC keeps taxpayer support to about 33% of the overall budget, a lower percentage than many peer agencies in Kansas. However, in response to demand, the budget also includes funds for three more personnel to staff an additional 24-hour ambulance.
Reno County EMS covers 1,250 miles which is the third-largest county in the state. While volunteer EMS departments operate in rural areas of the county, Reno County EMS provides volunteer training, supplies, back-up coverage and advanced life support assistance.
For more information on the proposed Reno County EMS 2026 budget, visit https://www.renocountyks.gov/.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE HUTCHINSON CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
