SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
ARLINGTON, Kan. — Reno County EMS broke ground Thursday on a long-awaited new ambulance station in Arlington, marking a key step toward improving facilities and maintaining strong response times in western Reno County.
The new station, designated EMS Station 3, will be located at 107 W. Fair St. and replaces the current downtown Arlington station, which officials described as outdated and overcrowded.
“This has been a project that’s been in the works for over six years,” said Reno County EMS Chief Dave Johnston. “Our current station in this area is a little rough and has needed replacement for several years, but we’re really excited to have this coming in.”
Located in one of Kansas’ largest counties by area, Reno County EMS serves a coverage area of more than 1,250 square miles.
The Arlington station's central location in the western part of the county makes it a critical component in the countywide emergency response system.
“It’s a great base for us to serve a large portion of the western county and improve our response times in this area,” Johnston said. “It also shows a commitment that the county and the hospital have to the community.”
Reno County EMS operates under Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was able to fund the new station in part through allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The facility will include two bays and primarily house one ambulance, known as Medic 3. It will be staffed 24/7 by at least one paramedic and an EMT or a second paramedic. Space is also included for a second, backup ambulance if needed.
“Typically, we’ll have two providers out here, and if staffing requires it, we can move additional resources,” Johnston said.
Paramedic Kyli McGreevy, who currently works at the downtown Arlington station, said the new facility will be a major upgrade.
“Our current station is just really old, kind of rundown, and we’re ready for an upgrade,” McGreevy said. “We’re excited to have more space, more separation, and dedicated work areas instead of one giant room.”
McGreevy noted that the Arlington crew covers the largest service area of any Reno County EMS unit, roughly two-thirds of the county, due to the rural nature of the region.
“Even being stationed here, if we have to go all the way to Sylvia or Plevna, we still have about a 20- to 30-minute response time,” she said. “Having this station out here is super helpful for a lot of the county. We’re able to provide that care just a little bit quicker.”
Construction, which is being done by Ward Davis Builders, is expected to be completed in early 2026.