Public safety report flags rising EMS calls and committee backs push for local urgent‑care

The Red River public‑safety committee on June 3 reported an increase in EMS calls and told the council the committee supports exploring a long‑term medical clinic for the town.

Speaker 11 reported the committee recorded 35 EMS calls in March and 113 year‑to‑date; by comparison, the committee cited a 10‑year average of 29 calls for March. Committee discussion emphasized that some transports from the ski area could have been treated locally if a clinic with X‑ray capability were available.

After discussion the committee — as reported by speaker 11 — moved to express support to council for a long‑term sustainable medical clinic in Red River; Ted Calhoun seconded the motion and committee members present were recorded in favor.

The council also heard a briefing relayed by speaker 7 about Kit Carson’s wildfire‑readiness work. Kit Carson is planning for targeted deenergization in red‑flag wind events to reduce fire risk and is pursuing battery hub installations that would provide limited backup power; the presenter said Red River is likely to be in a later phase for those battery hubs and that the hubs are designed to sustain short‑duration outages for critical needs.

Why it matters Higher EMS call volumes, difficulty recruiting local urgent‑care capacity and potential utility deenergization during wind events are linked public‑safety issues for a small mountain town. Committee backing for a sustained clinic signals a next step toward exploring feasibility and funding options.

What’s next Committee support will be communicated to council for follow up. The committee and staff will continue work on ambulance service‑area adjustments, urgent‑care feasibility and coordination with Kit Carson and other agencies to plan for wildfire season and critical‑power needs.