Spencer, IA (KICD)– Officials from the City of Spencer and Clay County came together Monday evening to discuss a need that is plaguing many communities: Emergency Medical Services.

Supervisor Allen Batschelet noted during the discussion that a shortage of certified emergency responders is having a negative effect on response times in parts of the county.

Spencer Fire Chief Jesse Coulson added the shortage of certified personnel has led to a reduction in the number of available medical response units in the county.

A suggestion was floated that Clay County check surrounding jurisdictions to see how the issue is affecting them which Chief Coulson says will likely yield many of the same concerns.

It was also noted several times during the conversation that whatever the answer is to the problem cannot be pushed down continuously down the road.

Both sets of elected officials appeared to be committed to finding a solution to this problem and agreed to work together in potentially bringing in an outside consultant to look at some of the specific needs when it comes to EMS.