Our History

Klickitat County Emergency Medical Services District #1 (KCEMS) was established in 2013 as a special purpose local government district dedicated to providing emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of Klickitat County. The District was officially incorporated on April 30, 2013. 

Prior to the creation of the EMS District, ambulance services in Klickitat County were operated through the county’s hospital system. Due to the increasing costs and challenges associated with maintaining ambulance operations, the hospitals transitioned responsibility for ambulance services to a newly created independent EMS district. 

The transition created a standalone emergency medical services agency governed by a Board of Commissioners and supported through a combination of voter-approved funding and patient billing.  KCEMS officially assumed ambulance service operations in 2014, becoming the primary provider of Advanced Life Support ambulance services throughout much of Klickitat County. 

Since its formation, KCEMS has continued to grow as a dedicated emergency medical services organization, working alongside local fire districts, law enforcement agencies, air ambulance providers, search and rescue organizations, and other community partners to provide emergency response and patient care throughout the region. 

Today, KCEMS remains committed to providing reliable, professional, and compassionate emergency medical services while supporting the health and safety of the communities we serve.