With Mercer County continuing to face a critical ambulance shortage, local officials are working to promote emergency responder training in an effort to staff another ambulance.
Since the New Boston Volunteer Ambulance Service ended its operation in July, the Aledo, Joy, Seaton, Keithsburg, and New Boston-Eliza Fire Protection Districts have all been covered by one ambulance out of Aledo, dispatched by Elite EMS.
Mercer County Sheriff Dusty Terrill held a meeting last month with local fire chiefs and trustees, representatives from Elite EMS, Unity Point medical directors and more.
Aledo Fire Protection District Board of Trustees President Mike Sponsler says that in order to staff another ambulance, there needs to be more local first responders (EMRs) and EMTs. He says there will be classes coming up for both this month and January.
An informational meeting for both is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Aledo Fire Department Community Room.