Our District
A public promise, made in 1974.
South Barry County voters created a dedicated ambulance district so reliable, high-quality emergency medical care would remain available close to home.
How it began
Community action shaped the district.
The South Barry County Ambulance District was established by voters in southern Barry County during a special election held on May 14, 1974. Community members overwhelmingly supported a public district dedicated to emergency medical services.
At the time, traditional private ambulance services across Missouri were working to meet new state requirements for training, equipment, and patient care. Local citizens recognized that the region needed an organization with a single, durable focus: emergency medical readiness for the people who live in and visit southern Barry County.
Local voters did more than create an ambulance service. They created a lasting framework for public accountability and dependable care.
The mission continues
From transportation to an advanced response system.
Focused on EMS
The district exists specifically to support emergency medical services for southern Barry County.
Accountable to voters
An elected board provides oversight, stewardship, and a direct line of accountability to the community.
Delivered with Mercy EMS
Mercy EMS has operated district ambulance services since 2016, following CoxHealth EMS service from 1998 through 2016.
Our role today
Prepared for the realities of rural emergency care.
Serving a rural district requires dependable stations, well-equipped ambulances, trained crews, strong dispatch coordination, and connections to regional hospitals and air-medical resources.
The district’s role is to maintain that public foundation and oversee the service partnership that turns those resources into a coordinated response system.