CCH EMS Highlights Need for Statewide EMS Sustainability and Essential-Service Status

Posted On: Dec 11, 2025
Written By: Caitlin Berkey

Campbell County Health Emergency Medical Services (CCH EMS) is joining EMS professionals across Wyoming in emphasizing the need for long-term stability and support for emergency medical services throughout the state. EMS is not currently designated as an essential service in Wyoming, meaning no state or local government entity is legally required to provide ambulance services. As a result, many EMS agencies struggle with limited funding, staffing shortages, and increasing call volumes.

CCH EMS leaders note that discussions about strengthening Wyoming’s EMS system have been underway in recent years through statewide organizations and legislative committees. The Wyoming EMS agencies and EMS professionals have all expressed support for continued work toward improving EMS sustainability, particularly in rural areas. CCH EMS is encouraged to see these conversations gaining momentum across Wyoming and appreciates the growing attention on long-term EMS stability. Conversations are expected to continue during the 2026 legislative session, with a focus on reliable coverage, workforce support, training accessibility, and funding structures that help ensure consistent emergency response in every community.

In a rural state such as Wyoming, the distance between an emergency and definitive care can be vast. Wyoming communities count on EMS to show up, provide relief in moments of crisis, and bring their knowledge and expertise to the scene. Without stable, sustainable EMS, the question becomes: what happens if you make that call in an emergency and no one is able to respond?

“Reliable access to emergency medical care is fundamental to public safety,” said Shane Kirsch, Director of Ambulance Services for CCH. “Stability in EMS is about ensuring that someone is available to respond to a 911 call and provide high quality medical care no matter where you live in Wyoming. We look forward to being part of ongoing statewide discussions that strengthen emergency medical services for all residents.”

EMS agencies across Wyoming face similar challenges, including increasing operational costs, variable reimbursement rates, aging equipment, and difficulties recruiting and retaining trained responders. These pressures are particularly acute for volunteer organizations, which often rely on donations, fundraising, and limited local support to remain operational.

CCH EMS provides 24/7 emergency response and interfacility transport services for Campbell County and surrounding areas, responding to approximately 10,000 calls for service each year while covering over 10,000 square miles. The combined annual average for all ambulances in the CCH EMS fleet logged in at around 200,000 miles, reflecting both the age of the vehicles and the long distances crews travel to reach patients and transport them to care. The department is staffed by highly trained paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and support personnel dedicated to delivering timely and compassionate care.

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