A resolution was tabled indefinitely to formally implement a Washington County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council by the Washington County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

Washington County EMS Association President Toby Hancock presented a resolution to the board explaining that the association voted on March 16th to create an advisory council according to the Iowa EMS Systems Standards that was created by the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Emergency Trauma Services, which stipulates that the county shall have an advisory group with representation from one member of the Board of Supervisors, one member from each of the county’s EMS agencies, and one EMS medical director. Hancock says state grants would then be distributed through the advisory council rather than the association. Hancock says this advisory council would meet quarterly to address the needs of the county’s EMS system. Supervisor Marcus Fedler voiced his concern at forming an advisory council, considering it to be additional red tape, and Supervisor Jack Seward Jr. said the concept is good, but he hesitates to approve something that appears to be vague. Board Chair Richard Young stated that they will table this item to look at it further and then bring it back for the board’s approval in a few weeks.