New ambulance, full staff, and 1,444 calls highlight year for Shelby County Ambulance Service

SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Ambulance Service finished 2025 with a total of 1,444 calls, EMS Director Kenny Hansen said.
Hansen, who has served as director since May, said he is proud of the accomplishments made last year.
“We had big goals,” he said. “And many were accomplished.”
A new ambulance was added to the fleet in October, bringing the total number of transport vehicles to three primary rigs and one backup unit. The 2025 Ford F350 Braun Northwest (Northstar) ambulance features five-point safety harnesses on swivel seats so crewmembers can travel safely while providing patient care.
Retaining staff had been an issue since the countywide EMS system launched in December 2023. Hansen reported that in addition to his position, the service now employs four full-time staff members and 10 PRN employees—primarily EMTs and paramedics who fill in as needed.
“We haven’t had any turnover since May,” Hansen said. “We’ve completed the schedule for the upcoming year and have four staff members on at all times.”
Last year, staff completed more than 400 hours of training and quality improvement through critiques, trainings, and critical care workshops.
Adam McCall and Ty Sturm both earned Critical Care Endorsements, and Karen Schluter, Ty Sturm, and Frannie Delauter earned Trauma Certification.
Since May 2025, Shelby County Ambulance Service has secured more than $90,000 in funding through a combination of local and regional grants, opioid abatement funds, and collaborative efforts with the Shelby County ESA and PHEP Service Area 4, including PHEP and EMS System Development grants.
These funds have enabled the acquisition of critical equipment to enhance emergency medical services across the county. “The biggest battle has been replacing outdated equipment and learning patience while waiting on grant approval,” Hansen said.
New equipment additions this past year include:
• Hamilton T1 Transport Ventilator
• Curaplex Onescope Pro Hyperangulated Video Laryngoscopes
• Pediatric transport devices
• Pediatric airway and Broselow bags
• Portable pulse oximeters
• Medication safes
• Power-load and cot system
• Zoll X-Series cardiac monitor
• LUCAS 3.0 automated CPR device
• Technimount monitor and ventilator securement devices
• Pediatric and adult difficult-airway training manikins
• Stryker stair chair
In partnership with Cass County EMS, Shelby County EMS also acquired a trauma manikin to support ongoing training and simulation efforts.
“These advancements reflect our continued commitment to system development and the delivery of exceptional care by Shelby County EMS clinicians,” Hansen said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our community, partners, and the grant selection committees for their unwavering support of our mission.”
Other improvements included the addition of two sleeping areas, and the replacement of the transmission in one of the ambulances.
Staff members also gave back to the community. A Stuff-the-Truck event held last spring collected nearly one ton of food for the WCCA Food Pantry from shoppers at Fareway. An additional $2,000 in cash donations was collected, which the pantry used to purchase meat. This year, the event will be held at Hy-Vee.
The staff also recently sponsored three families through the Shelby County Adopt-A-Family Program.
Goals for 2026 include customer response surveys, allowing the service to gather feedback to develop goals and make improvements. Hansen said that this year all staff members will have Advanced Trauma Certification and Neonatal Resuscitation certification.
Future goals also include the possible formation of a Regional Development Transport Team, which would provide transfers for critical care patients, high-risk pregnancy patients, and children. Hansen said additional training would be required for team members.
“There are grants available for the training and equipment,” he said. “We should know more this spring.”
“We just want to improve the services we offer and the capabilities of this team.”