Lafayette County Emergency Medical Services

01/22/2026

❄️ EXTREME COLD WATCH ❄️
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch from late Thursday night through early Saturday as a strong arctic air mass moves in. Conditions are expected to be significantly colder than normal, with dangerously low wind chill values that can pose serious risks to people, pets, and equipment if proper precautions are not taken.

❄️ WHAT IS HAPPENING? ❄️
• A blast of arctic cold will push into the area Thursday night and linger into Saturday, bringing wind chills as low as 40° below zero in some places, especially Friday morning.
• Surface air temperatures are forecast to fall into the single digits above or below zero while winds continue to push chills well below freezing.☠️
• An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold air is possible — conditions may be upgraded to a more serious warning as details solidify closer to the event.

❄️ WHAT IS THE DANGER? ❄️
• With strong winds and bitter cold air, exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.
• Hypothermia risk increases the longer someone stays outside without adequate protection.

❄️ WHO WILL THIS AFFECT? ❄️
• Everyone outdoors — especially children, seniors, and people with health conditions
• Pet owners
• Vehicle owners (cold can reduce battery performance and tire pressure)
• People without consistent heating or shelter

❄️ WHAT CAN YOU DO? ❄️
✔ Stay indoors as much as possible during peak cold periods.
✔ Dress in multiple layers if you must go out — covering ears, hands, and face.
✔ Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
✔ Limit the time pets spend outside; bring them indoors if possible.
✔ Check on elderly neighbors or others who may be vulnerable.
✔ Keep vehicles winter-ready — check batteries, fuel, tire pressure, and antifreeze.
✔ If driving in cold conditions, carry blankets, water, and a charged phone.

01/08/2026

Huge shoutout to Off the Trail Nutrition and everyone who donated stuffies!!! Thank you!!

01/01/2026

As we welcome the new year, we wish our community a safe, healthy, and happy year ahead.

Let’s not meet by accident tonight.

Celebrate responsibly, watch out for one another, and remember—Lafayette County EMS is always here when you need us. 💙

12/31/2025

🚑 Serve Your Community. Become an EMR or EMT in 2026. If you’ve ever considered serving your community, 2026 is a great time to start.

📚 2026 EMS Training Opportunities

🔹 EMT-1 (Emergency Medical Responder)
📅 January 12 – April 13, 2026
• Online lectures: Mondays, 6:00–9:00 PM
• In-person skills: Wednesdays, 6:00–9:00 PM
Courses held in Lancaster and Belmont

🔹 EMT-2 (EMT-Basic)
📅 January 13 – April 30, 2026
• Online lectures: Tuesdays, 6:00–10:00 PM
• In-person skills: Thursdays, 6:00–10:00 PM
Courses held in Lancaster and Barneveld

🔹 Advanced EMT (AEMT)
📅 January 12 – May 13, 2026
• In-person classes: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00–10:00 PM
Course Location TBD

🔹 EMT-1 / EMT-2 Combination Program
📅 January 12 – May 14, 2026
• EMR: Jan 12 – Feb 16, 2026
• EMT: Feb 18 – May 14, 2026
📍 In-person: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Southwest Tech Campus – Room 3617

Many EMS Services cover course expenses or offer tuition reimbursement. Contact your local EMS service to learn more. If you don't know how to reach your local EMS chief, contact us here at LCEMS 608-776-4999 and we will get you in touch.

Course registration information and additional details can be found at

If you maintain calm under pressure, enjoy problem solving and want to save lives, the EMS (Emergency Medical Training) Program may be for you. View information about courses, training and enrollment.

12/25/2025

From all of us at LCEMS, Merry Christmas!!

12/09/2025

It’s been on my heart to do some kind of drive we’ve never done before this month. I was having a hard time thinking of something but reached out to a friend for some ideas and she definitely helped. After talking to a few folks about who can accept them we are excited to do a stuffed animal drive for the month of December. They do need to be NEW and small to medium size so that they fit in the vehicles storage spaces. We will be accepting stuffies all month and delivering them in the beginning of the new year!

Last month we were able to collect 90 items for the food pantry. Do you guys think we can collect 100 stuffies this month?

Off the Trail will be giving out special add ons or discounts when you bring in a stuffy donation! Thank you!
🎁

12/01/2025

We appreciate the hard work of all the plow drivers out there. Thank you!

11/29/2025

The LCEMS team is dedicated to training, education, and advancing ourselves to be able to provide the best care we can. A huge shoutout goes to AEMT James who working towards getting his Paramedic license with the School of EMS.

James is our first team member to be sponsored though a Paramedic course. James is not only working full time answering calls but also studying like crazy. Keep up the great work James! We cant wait for you to be able to bring the higher level of care to our community.

11/29/2025

🚑❄️ Help EMS Help You During Winter Storms! ❄️🚑
When the snow starts falling, our EMS crews work extra hard to reach those who need us—but we can’t do it alone. Here are a few simple ways you can help keep everyone safe:
🌨 Clear your address numbers!
Make sure your house number is visible from the road so crews can find you quickly—day or night.
🚘 Keep driveways & walkways shoveled.
A cleared path helps EMS get stretchers and equipment to your door safely and without delays.
🛣 Give emergency vehicles plenty of space!
If you see lights or hear sirens, please pull to the right and stop. Snow reduces traction and visibility, so extra room really matters.
📱 Have someone watch for responders.
If you’ve called 911, have someone ready to meet crews outside if possible. It speeds up care and helps guide us to the right location.
🧤 Secure pets and turn on outdoor lights.
Both help responders move safely and quickly in slippery conditions.
Your support makes a huge difference during winter weather. Stay safe, stay warm, and thank you for helping us help you! ❄️❤️🚑

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Lafayette County EMS!

This Thanksgiving, we are incredibly thankful for our community. Your support throughout the year means the world to our dedicated team.

While many are enjoying time with family and friends, we want to give a special and heartfelt thank you to our EMS Providers who are working today, and throughout the holidays, to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.

Now fill those bellies up with yummy food and don't forget the pie!

11/21/2025

11/11/2025

On we salute those who have fought and those who continue to fight to keep our country safe.