On November 3, voters in Wetmore, Colorado, turned down a ballot measure that would have brought the town into the West Custer County Hospital District. The measure failed 147‑89, meaning that starting January 1, 2027, no ambulances will be stationed in Wetmore itself.
Local reaction
“We’re in a tough situation where we’re at,” said resident Kevin Day. “But this was not a viable option.” Residents expressed concern that the nearest ambulance, based in Westcliffe, must navigate the winding Hardscrabble Canyon road, a trip that can take 30 to 45 minutes on a good day.
“In America today, if you call 911, you think somebody is going to show up,” said Carol Vayhinger. “We just don’t have any concept of that.” Another neighbor added, “In the 45 minutes it takes for you to be here, we can be at the emergency room in Cañon City or Pueblo.” The sentiment reflects a growing unease about emergency response times in the rural area.
Community response
With the district tie‑in rejected, residents are organizing their own safety network. Neighbors are forming phone chains, assembling first‑aid kits, and enrolling in basic CPR and first‑aid courses. “We’re putting together first aid kits and have started training for the first‑aid course and CPR,” said Jack Vayhinger.
Day noted that families have historically relied on personal effort to transport sick or injured loved ones to hospitals. “For some of us, that has been a reality here multiple times throughout the years, loading our family, our neighbors, and hauling them to the hospital,” he said, adding that this approach will likely continue in the short term.
Official statements
Ron Terry, chairman of the West Custer County Hospital District, said the district receives roughly 15 residential calls from east Custer County each year, plus about 13 motor‑vehicle accidents in Hardscrabble Canyon. “Effective January 1, 2027, Custer County EMS will not respond to residential emergent calls outside our Special District. We are saddened that the folks in the Wetmore area do not want to take advantage of the outstanding, award‑winning medical services provided by our EMS team,” Terry told KRDO13.
Florence Fire Protection District, which borders Wetmore, confirmed it cannot extend its EMS coverage to the town without additional funding and taxpayer approval. Fire Chief Bill Ritter explained that the district is already experiencing an increase in EMS calls within its own jurisdiction and must prioritize its tax‑paying residents.
AMR, a regional emergency‑medical‑services provider based in Cañon City, said there are currently no plans to assume responsibility for Wetmore. A spokesperson emphasized AMR’s willingness to collaborate with local partners if a need for additional ground or air resources arises.
What this means for Wetmore
Without a local ambulance service, Wetmore residents will need to rely on neighboring districts or private arrangements for emergency medical transport. The community’s grassroots efforts aim to mitigate the gap, but officials warn that response times could remain lengthy, especially during severe weather or road closures.
The decision highlights the challenges rural Colorado towns face in maintaining essential services amid limited tax bases and geographic obstacles. As the 2027 deadline approaches, Wetmore’s residents and local leaders will continue to evaluate options for ensuring timely medical care.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
