Miami County EMS began June 1, 1989 with six (6) EMT’s, one (1) paramedic and an account clerk. Mike Welter was the only paramedic that worked for the county at that time. We utilized part-time paramedics for 1 - 2 years, until we had people start going to school. In 1992 we started teaching our EMT’s to become EMT-Defibrillator technicians. This allowed the EMT’s to monitor and defibrillate patients that were found in cardiac arrest. In 1994 we started sending one person to paramedic school every year. The county paid for the student’s tuition and in turn the employee had to sign a four (4) year agreement to work for the county after graduating. Since then the county has sent eleven (11) employees through paramedic training.

In 1998 the Baehr Foundation gave the service funds to support an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program for the county. The AED’s were places in all the city police departments, the sheriff’s department, Louisburg Fire Department and Kansas Wildlife and Parks at Hillsdale Lake. Since placing the AED’s in the first responder units, there have been several documented saves. One such save was televised on WDAF-TV 4 by Linda Waggert with the Osawatomie Police Department. OPD officer (Donnie Basehor) responded to the call and was able to successfully defibrillate the patient who had a return of pulses following the defibrillation. The patient had experienced sudden cardiac arrest while driving and had ran into the Osawatomie School sign at 12th and Parker.

Miami County EMS also helps all first responders that carry the AED’s maintain current certification. We provide training to local fire departments for continuing education for re-certifying their EMT and First Responder status free of charge. Anyone is welcome at the station to obtain continuing education credits for recertification.

In 2003 the Kansas Board of EMS adopted into regulation the advancement of EMT skills. These advancements included: nebulized breathing treatments, aspirin administration, monitor blood glucose levels, the use of Epi-pens in allergic reactions and monitoring oxygen saturation on patients with breathing problems. Miami County was one of the first counties in the state to teach these advancements to our people.

In 2004 Miami County EMS took another big step in providing more advanced level care to our citizens. The intermediate level was introduced to five (5) EMT-Defibrillator technicians. The intermediate level allows the EMT to establish an IV line prior to taking the patient to the hospital; it also allows the paramedic to take care of other critical areas in patient care while the intermediate starts the IV. In January 2005, five (5) EMT’s began their training to the intermediate level and successfully attained their certifications in June 2005.

Miami County EMS transitioned from a Type II ambulance service with the Kansas Board of EMS to a Type I ambulance service on April 25, 2006. According to Emergency Medical Services Chief Jason M. Jenkins, the transition was the result of staff members expressing the desire to become licensed Type I, and to provide advanced life support (ALS) to a larger area of Miami County.  Jenkins says, "This change will not only benefit our staff members, but also better serve our citizens".  As a result of Miami County EMS becoming licensed Type I, all three ambulances in the County are staffed with a Paramedic and an EMT. 

In March of 2007, all 9-1-1 callers receive emergency medical dispatching instructions.  Callers are placed in touch with a trained emergency medical dispatcher.  The call-taker provides instructions to the caller as ambulances are being sent to 9-1-1 calls.  The information they receive can determine the type of call and pertinent information for the responding crew. The dispatcher can advise the responding ambulance if it needs to respond emergency (red lights and sirens) or non-emergency.  The dispatcher is able to provide instructions for how to control bleeding, perform CPR if needed, and can even help deliver a baby and much more.

Miami County EMS received delivery of their 2007 LifeLine Ambulance on March 20, 2007.  The unit has many new features added to making a more user friendly environment for the technician to include:  dual attendant panels in the patient compartment, a hydraulic oxygen lift, SMART LED system, dual sirens, air horns, and LED warning lights on all open compartments.  Staff placed this unit in service on March 29, 2007. 

Miami County EMS also received grants for the purchase of one Stryker hydraulic cot and two Stryker stair chairs.  Also, grant money was received to purchase a John Deer Gator for stand by events and patient transport.

A back injury prevention program was implemented by Miami County EMS and supported by the County Commission in attempt to promote physical fitness and wellness.  As part of the program, crewmembers are required to attend a physical fitness program at a local gym for one hour, while they are on duty.  Equipment has been purchased in support of the program as well.  Stryker Power-PRO hydraulic cots and Stryker Stair Chairs are now in every ambulance. Each ambulance utilizes a hydraulic oxygen lift, all in an attempt to promote safety and a longer career for our prehospital care providers.

Miami County EMS also received donations in excess of $15,000.00 to replace 9 AEDs located throughout the community that became outdated with the new AHA standards.  As a result fire departments, police departments, and some community buildings will have the new AEDs placed in them.  The overall goal is to impact our citizen's survivability by placing the AEDs in vehicles that will provide a tiered response within our system, Jenkins says.

In 2008, Miami County EMS switched from the traditional 24 hour "Berkley" schedule to 48 hour shifts with 96 hour off.  Or 2 days of work in a row with 4 days off in a row.