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EMS requests cardiac monitor replacements; commissioners and staff weigh staggered vs. full replacement
Summary
Seward County EMS asked to replace cardiac monitors and discussed ambulances and staffing; staff said technology "generational" changes make staggered replacement difficult and that two monitors would be purchased this year while the rest are requested for 2026.
County emergency medical services representatives presented equipment requests during the budget review including cardiac monitors and ambulance capacity. Staff reported a vendor quote of about $50,000 per cardiac monitor and indicated the department was requesting six total units; a complete replacement was described as a generational change that complicates mixing newer and older units.
EMS staff said they operate four primary trucks (three in regular rotation and one in Kismet) and that having a full, modernized set of monitors would allow a consistent standard across vehicles. Commissioners noted the quoted per‑unit price and discussed funding timing; EMS reported two monitors were expected to be purchased this year and the department was seeking four more for 2026 to achieve a full fleet replacement.
Ambulance capacity and staffing were also part of the discussion. County staff confirmed the operational maximum of ambulance runs at a given time and described how additional ambulances interact with staffing and overtime; commissioners requested clarity on how equipment purchases align with staffing and grant opportunities.
Next steps: EMS and procurement staff will provide formal quotes, explain why staggered replacement is infeasible from a technical standpoint, and return with an updated purchasing schedule tied to available funding and grant prospects.
