Chaffee County EMS

03/21/2026

Per the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office- We are continuing the no open outdoor burning mandate in unincorporated Chaffee County through Monday March 23rd because of poor predicted fire weather. The patterns of weather and fire science will continue to be analyzed with our fire partners and more strict fire bans may be soon forthcoming if we do not see any moisture. Thank you.

02/07/2026

If you were wondering what all the ambulances were doing at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds last Tuesday, CCEMS held the first of several Emergency Vehicle Operator Courses (EVOC) we will be conducting this spring. Sixteen staff members participated in the February course.

The course focuses on safety and covers topics such as emergent and non-emergent driving, backing, turning, and emergency hazard braking.

10/26/2025

Did you know?

Almost one-third of the service calls to Chaffee County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) during summer months are to care for visitors who reside outside of Chaffee County. The cost to replace an ambulance for Chaffee County EMS has increased >260% in the past ~5 years.

Ballot Measure 1A would dedicate 20% of additional Lodging Tax revenues to county-wide Public Safety needs like EMS, helping to support these increased demands and to address surging costs of providing emergency services for residents and tourists alike.

Learn more about Chaffee County's Lodging Tax Ballot Measure 1A at www.chaffeecounty.org/government/lodgingtax.php

10/04/2025

End of 3rd quarter statistics.
As of September 30, 2025:

2025 year-to-date calls: 2038 calls.

2024 year-to-date calls: 2019 calls.

Percent increase for 2025 versus 2024: 0.9% increase in calls.

09/29/2025

Peak foliage up on Monarch Pass this morning.

07/01/2025

June 2025 Stats (end of second quarter)

2025 year to date calls: 1321
2024 year to date calls: 1244

Percent increase for 2025 versus 2024: 6.18% increase.

05/28/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T8CwJs6NHA

For more information on CPR classes provided by Chaffee County EMS: https://chaffeecountyems.com/cpr-classes/

In this powerful episode of CPR Saved My Life, we dive into the incredible survival story of Brian McNeill, a man who faced the unimaginable and survived mul...

05/20/2025

For Brian McNeill of Salida, Colorado, the phrase "WE CARE. FOR EVERYONE." isn't just a motto; it's a life-saving reality delivered by his local first responders. His powerful story highlights the unwavering commitment of Colorado EMS professionals.

“In 2018, I was confronted with almost astronomical odds of survival due to a congenital aortic valve defect. My valve, which had been replaced just over two years prior had become infected. The infection led to multiple clots, multiple strokes and a heart attack. I underwent a 14-hour surgery to repair the damage.
Then on November 10, 2018, I was treated by Chaffee County EMS at my home in Salida for sudden cardiac arrest, likely triggered by scar tissue. My family called 911 and started CPR compressions after I slumped over on the couch while watching a football game with my father.

One hour of CPR and 16 shocks

Chaffee County EMS and Salida Fire responded within five minutes and took over CPR compressions. They attached a monitor and began administering shocks to attempt to bring my heart out of ventricular fibrillation. After nearly an hour of CPR compressions and at least 16 shocks, my heart returned to a sinus rhythm. In the years since, I have had the pleasure of getting to know my heroes in our small community. As a teacher, I am recertified in CPR every two years. My last two recertification classes have been taught by one of my paramedics. It is an honor to live in a community where I have access to the professionals whose efforts truly saved my life.

In August 2024, I received my first shock from my internal cardiac defibrillator while working. Chaffee County EMS and Salida Fire once again came when I called 911, unsure as to whether I was experiencing another emergency. Though it turned out I was not in a dangerous rhythm, the paramedics and EMTs who came for that call treated me with the same care and professionalism they had shown when I had my 2018 cardiac arrest.

During EMS Week, I would like to recognize all of the heroes who have responded to my home to save my life and provide me with peace of mind.”

wecareforeveryone

05/15/2025

Come learn how to save a life with hands-only CPR with a free class this Saturday, May 17th at 12:00. There is no sign up required for this class.

Location: Family Day at the Salida Gun Shop.
7345 W Hwy 50
Salida, Colorado

In this short class you will learn how to do bystander CPR, which can save a life. If performed immediately, bystander CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Salida Gunshop