History
Development of the Community Ambulance Service in 1968 came out of several meetings between the city commissioners and the Board of Trustees of the William Newton Hospital. The local ambulance service, which was previously operated by the funeral home, announced that they were being forced to discontinue this service. The city commission requested that the hospital provide ambulance service as part of the total health care for the community. The city manager and the hospital administrator proceeded to establish a sound basis for the operation of an ambulance service. On January 1, 1977, the Community Ambulance Service formally became the Winfield Area Emergency Medical Service.
Since the establishment of the Community Ambulance Service in 1968, we have seen tremendous progress in the development of an emergency care service for the community. The ambulance service has always been a part of the health care team. In 1974, it became an integral part of the emergency services of the hospital. A growing awareness on the part of the public and support from the William Newton Hospital medical staff generated a need for advanced emergency care. Winfield Area EMS has been charged with the task of meeting and exceeding these expectations while balancing these needs with the requisite fiduciary responsibilities.
Philosophy
The Emergency Medical Service is founded upon the philosophy that emergency medical care is a component of the total health care concept. It has become more important in recent years, and continues to offer new opportunities in providing one phase of quality medical care for which we have a responsibility. It is based on us providing modern equipment, with well-trained, competent individuals who render the care. We believe that we must work closely with the other members of the health team in giving the best possible care to for patient. It is our purpose to have people who are inspired with an attitude of working together and a sense of mission in the work that the do for the patient. These trained medical people who understand that giving good patient care requires that everyone be willing to do many and various tasks for the patient. Our service is based on the belief that we must continue to provide training in the new techniques, skills and services to meet the health needs of our patients. We will develop programs to provide the necessary training. Our philosophy is that this service has a common goal with the patient, the doctor and the nursing staff.
Purpose
The following are some of the major goals of the Emergency Medical Service program:
1. To provide the most skilled emergency medical service possible to the patient
2. To have emergency personnel who are all qualified MICT, EMT and First Responders with the state of Kansas certification.
3. Develop a practical and functional continuing education program for EMS personnel.
4. To be part of the health care team in providing the utmost in patient care available.
5. To provide the personnel of Winfield Area EMS all state mandated Advanced Life Support equipment in top operating condition.
6. To develop practical cost effective plans for replacement of capital equipment.
