The Lisbon–Mount Vernon Ambulance Service (LMVAS) is celebrating a year of significant progress in 2025, marked by major equipment upgrades, increased call volume, expanded training, and continued planning to ensure highquality emergency medical services remain available to Mount Vernon, Lisbon, and surrounding rural communities.

Major equipment investments enhance patient care

One of the most visible milestones in 2025 was the arrival of a new ambulance, originally ordered in 2023. The vehicle, which cost more than $270,000, represents about a 25 percent increase over the ambulance purchased in 2020. The entire cost was covered through grants and community fundraising, reflecting strong local support and a continued investment in patient care and responder safety.

LMVAS also fully funded the purchase of 10 new portable radios at a cost of more than $56,000. Recent changes in county 911 system funding mean radios and pagers are no longer provided to fire and EMS departments. By funding this equipment locally, LMVAS improved communication reliability and operational safety for crews responding across multiple jurisdictions.

Additional investments included a new pediatric training manikin, allowing EMS personnel to further strengthen their preparedness for pediatric emergencies.

Call volume continues to rise

In 2025, LMVAS responded to 917 total calls, an increase of approximately 7.3 percent from the 855 calls handled in 2024. The majority of calls originated in Mount Vernon (36 percent) and Lisbon (27 percent), with another 22 percent coming from rural areas outside city limits.

Falls were the most common reason for dispatch, accounting for 157 calls, followed by sick person complaints (122) and traffic collisions (54). The steady rise in call volume mirrors continued growth in the communities served.

Volunteers remain the backbone of service

LMVAS credits its volunteer workforce as a key factor in meeting the growing demand for service. Volunteers contributed more than 24,000 oncall hours in 2025, ensuring the community did not miss a single 911 response. This dedication remains the foundation of emergency medical services in the Mount Vernon–Lisbon area.

Training and workforce development a priority

Education and clinical development continued to be a major focus throughout the year. In 2025, LMVAS provided more than 850 hours of training to its members and partner agencies.

Several members advanced their certification levels through paramedic and Advanced EMT education, expanding the service’s ability to deliver advanced care locally and reducing the need to rely on outside resources.

Planning for longterm sustainability

Longterm funding remains a challenge for EMS providers across Iowa, particularly in rural areas. In response, LMVAS collected more than 900 petition signatures in Linn County, Johnson County, and the cities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon to begin the process of establishing a benefitted Emergency Medical Services District.

Rising demand and stagnant reimbursement rates continue to strain EMS finances. Medicare reimburses approximately 63 percent of the cost of providing ambulance services, while Medicaid covers only about 18 percent. Together, these programs account for roughly 75 percent of LMVAS transports. In addition, insurance does not reimburse for response only calls without transport, which make up about 35 percent of LMVAS responses.

As the service prepares to add career staff alongside community volunteers, a partial tax subsidy will be necessary to maintain local, highquality care.

Looking ahead to 2026

As LMVAS enters 2026, priorities include completing the formation of a specialpurpose EMS district, launching a building expansion fundraising campaign, and expanding clinical capabilities as Iowa’s new EMS scope of practice is released. Continued equipment modernization, strong training programs, and support for a hybrid volunteercareer staffing model also remain key goals.

Community members are invited to attend upcoming information sessions to learn more about the proposed EMS district and its potential impact:

• Wednesday, February 25, 5–7 p.m., Voices United at Whitey’s Bar & Grill

• Tuesday, March 10, 6–7 p.m., Baxa’s Sutliff Store

• Wednesday, March 25, 6–7 p.m., LMVAS Station, 730 1st St. SE, Mount Vernon

LMVAS has proudly served the Mount Vernon–Lisbon area for 51 years and looks forward to continuing that service for generations to come.