Rice County EMS is proud to be the BLS Emergency Medical Service of the Year.  The following was read August 9, 2003 in Wichita, KS

KEMSA 2003 BLS Emergency Medical Service of the Year

The recipient of this year's BLS Emergency Medical Service of the Year Award is a service that has been actively involved in the provision of high quality BLS and ALS services in their community.

This service was formed in 1975 when the local funeral home provider gave notice that they would no longer provide ambulance services.  From then to today, this service has evolved into a true countywide system for 800 square miles and 11,000 citizens.  Ten communities are served by this agency.  The manner in which this service has provided EMS to it's communities is a source of pride, and is evident by the number of phone calls that they receive each year from other counties and communities wanting to know how did you do this?

The service operates with a full time ALS capable crew in the center of the county, with first response units deployed in the surrounding communities.  25 first responders provide the backbone of the organization by providing critical first response capability.

The service is involved in the community with first aid and CPR education, as well as Public access defibrillation training and support.  They continue involvement in child seat safety programs, bicycle safety education, and classes presented in Spanish to individuals within the community who are Spanish speaking.

Community surveys indicate that 91% of the survey respondents indicated the EMS service was serving the county very well. A higher satisfaction number than any other entity received, including hospital, physician, and other public services.  This number speaks for itself!

It is with honor that we grant Rice County EMS the 2003 BLS Service of the Year Award.

Director Terry David displays the Award for 2003 BLS Service of the Year.

From L to R: Back: Dala Cesar, Terry David, Rebecca Wrench. Front: Amanda Butts, Heather Frank