Dane County Unveils New Ambulance During EMS Week

May 18, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Emergency Management

FITCHBURG – Dane County is announcing a new resource that will help Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies continue to provide a high level of care to their communities. Dane County Executive Melissa Agard on Monday unveiled Rescue 31, a new backup ambulance designed to support the county’s municipal EMS providers.

“When an ambulance breaks down, communities are often faced with difficult decisions about how to continue providing the high quality of care their residents expect,” said County Executive Agard. “Rental agencies don’t necessarily keep fully-stocked ambulances on the lot, and finding backup coverage could mean slowing down response times in other areas. This new ambulance will help our EMS providers resolve those difficult choices.”

Rescue 31 (R31) allows EMS agencies to continue to provide service, even if one of their own ambulances is out of service due to maintenance or repairs. Municipal EMS agencies can request its use, until their own ambulance is back in service.

“Having a resource like Rescue 31 available is critical to making sure we are able to maintain quick response times or do not have to rely on coverage from other communities,” said Cross Plains EMS Chief Holly Ellickson. “Having an ambulance go out of service can be extremely stressful for providers, and we are thankful to the county for recognizing this need.”

The $350,000 purchase was approved last fall as part of the county budget. The need for R31 was identified based on the frequent requests the county was receiving for Rescue 30 (R30) to serve as a backup ambulance for basic service calls. R30 is designated primarily as a bariatric ambulance, and high demand could affect deployments for this specialized function.

May 17-23 is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week and Dane County is recognizing the dedication of the men and women who provide lifesaving medical care on medicine’s frontline. The theme of EMS Week this year is “Improving Outcomes, Together.” It offers an opportunity to focus on the many ways EMS professionals work together and across disciplines to serve the best interests of patients.

“EMS workers play a critical part in saving lives,” said Agard. “These heroes are among the first on the scene, where they have to make quick decisions that can literally mean the difference between life and death. They provide comfort and care in often very stressful situations.”

Dane County supports EMS providers throughout Dane County year-round in many ways. Through its EMS Division, which is part of the Department of Emergency Management, providers have access to training and the ability to coordinate services with hospitals and other agencies. This system ensures there is a consistent level of care provided across the county’s 19 municipal departments.

“Collaboration is a key part of ensuring effective outcomes for all patients,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs. “We greatly appreciate these partnerships and how they have helped Dane County build a strong, patient-focused EMS system.”

More information about EMS Week is available at https://www.ems.gov/ems-week-2026