(ABC 6 News) – The West Concord Fire Department usually handles EMT services in the area, but with staffing levels so low, they can’t reliably cover the whole community.

The city now looks to contract the Dodge Center Ambulance Services to help fill the gaps between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The contract would last six months, and West Concord Fire would still act as first responders. However, they will rely on Dodge Center ambulances to transport patients.

“It’s not suspending the ambulance service indefinitely it is looking for a short term solution,” said West Concord Administrator Kimberly Klejeski. “We just need to do what’s in the best interest for the community and make sure there is coverage in case an emergency arises.”

Some residents say they’re concerned about response time if this plan goes into action.

Sarah Erler’s father had a heart attack a few years ago while working on their family’s farm.

“If another medical emergency were to happen, what is going to happen to us?” Erler questioned. “Are we going to have to figure out how to do CPR on our own? Or have tourniquet kits for blood loss, that’s a huge thing for us to think about as a family.”

As of tonight, Jan. 5, 2024, no final decisions have been made.