State recognition for a paramedic, state and federal grants and 50 new oxygen cylinders, with all this Southwest Teller County EMS is on a roll.

And Eric Murray, executive director of EMS, part of the Southwest Teller County Health Services District, has even more to report.

Murray begins by highlighting Chris Martin, who in May was named Paramedic of the Year by RETAC, Plains to Peaks Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council.

Plains to Peaks includes Cheyenne, El Paso, Kit Carson, Lincoln and Teller counties.

“This is well-deserved; Chris works hard,” Murray said. “He gives our classes in CPR and first aid for the community, including employees of the Chamonix and the school.”

As calls increase for emergency services based in Cripple Creek, federal and state grants have funded two new vehicles. In 2023, the district received a $129,814 EMTS Provider Grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, with a match by the district.

“It took two years to get the ambulance,” Murray said.

For Murray, receiving grants takes patience.  Awarded $440,000 from the IRS Employee Retention tax credits, the district gets another new ambulance.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Murray said. “The new one replaces the 2006 ambulance, which is on its last leg. It’s not safe.”

The new ambulance is expected to arrive in a year, Murray said.

In a place nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, with tourists often suffering the effects of altitude, the grants can be life-giving, for both patient and emergency services.

For instance, a $64,154 grant from the state, with a match from the district, paid for 2 heart monitors and roadside safety equipment to include flashlights, LED flares.

“Sometimes we have to work in a ditch,” Murray said.

A valuable resource for Teller County, EMS hosted a pet vaccination clinic and holds three blood drives a year.  

“We like sharing our building,” Murray said, speaking of the former Hilltop Nursing Home, now headquarters for EMS and a designated Red Cross shelter.

To hedge against the need for shelter, at least for mass evacuations due to fire, the district will host 30 members of Team Rubicon this month and next. The team does mitigation projects around the nation, including several in Teller County and Green Mountain Falls in El Paso County.

“We have 50 cots here and they bring their own sleepwear,” Murray said.

For temporary relief for those suffering the effects of lack of oxygen, the county recently funded 50 oxygen cylinders on the recommendation of a task force.

“The task force is doing what it can to address the oxygen needs of the county,” Murray said. “This was a priority for the county commissioners.”