CHILLICOTHE – The Advocacy Committee of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce has unanimously voted to support a comprehensive study of Countywide Emergency Medical Services throughout Ross County.

The move came after a Jan. 20 meeting between proponents of the Countywide EMS system and the Advocacy Committee. The committee forwarded their support to the full Board of Directors, which also unanimously backed further exploration.

“We believe a better system for emergency medical services is out there somewhere, but we don’t know what we don’t know,” said Chamber President and CEO Mike Throne. “A professional, comprehensive study will help find the answers and that’s why we’re happy to back that idea.”

The countywide system would seek to provide 24-hour, 7-day EMS protection to residents. Currently, a lack of volunteers creates gaps in coverage to operate EMS services effectively.

A plan committee is developing a scope of services for the County Commissioners to offer for an RFP to find a professional EMS consultant to study the concept. After that, the committee will identify funding partners and develop a budget.

The health and safety of the residents is essential to the business community in Ross County, which prompted the Chamber’s interest, Throne said.