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Rawlins County board hears petition over volunteer EMT terminations, authorizes firefighters to drive ambulances
Summary
The Rawlins County Board of Commissioners reviewed short-term EMS recommendations, received a petition signed by more than 250 residents seeking reasons for volunteer EMT terminations in McDonald, and signed a document authorizing firefighters to serve as EMS drivers while an investigation continues.
The Rawlins County Board of Commissioners on April 14 reviewed short-term recommendations aimed at addressing EMT shortages in McDonald and received an online and filed petition urging transparency about the recent termination of volunteer EMTs.
Sam Bragdon of the Kansas State Board of EMS presented six immediate steps to improve coverage, including clarifying that ambulances operate as Rawlins County EMS regardless of town, exploring coordination with Cheyenne County for backup coverage, creating a duty schedule to provide 24-hour coverage in McDonald, temporarily increasing staffing for the McDonald station, incentivizing personnel to take calls in town, and partnering with fire departments to add CPR-certified drivers.
McDonald community member Hannah Louderbaugh told the board she had emailed and filed a petition signed by more than 250 Rawlins County residents asking that the county provide the reason for the terminations of volunteer EMTs Hollie Yates and Rachelle Hubbard. Former volunteer EMT Hollie Yates also asked the board to state publicly why she was terminated. Commissioners and the county attorney said answers will come after the county's EMS investigation is complete; County Attorney Christopher A. Rohr said he will contact the Cheyenne County Attorney to explore assistance options.
Commissioners signed a document authorizing firefighters to act as drivers on EMS responses, a short-term operational step Bragdon and Director Megan Rippe said is intended to bolster staffing and response capability. County Clerk Rachel Finley requested the signed document be emailed to her for the official record.
No roll-call vote or tally was recorded in the transcript for the authorization; the meeting record states the document was signed and the item was entered into the minutes. The board did not publicly reverse or overturn the personnel decisions cited by speakers; Commissioners said the ongoing investigation must conclude before they will provide further details.
The board directed the county attorney to pursue discussions with neighboring Cheyenne County and to provide updates once the investigation is complete. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2026.
