Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a program which provides ambulance and emergency medical care to Iowans throughout the state. The Iowa Department of Public Health is the lead agency responsible for the development and coordination of the program. While fire and police services are required by state law, ambulance services are not. For many Iowans, this means increased concerns over lack of volunteers, increased medical costs, and increased waiting time for medical personal during emergencies.

For several...