By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Terry David retires this week after 34 years in Emergency Medical Services positions
biz_lgp_davidretirement
Terry and Erna David

Terry David wraps up a 34-year career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) this week with his retirement as Chief of Reno County EMS. Reno County EMS has operated under the umbrella of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center since 1981. 

David started his EMS career in 1985 with Reno County EMS and ten years later was recruited to direct Rice County Emergency Medical Services in Lyons. In 2016, David returned to Hutch Regional for a three year stint as Chief of Reno County EMS. 

In a recent interview, David talked of the monumental changes that have improved emergency medical services across the nation, but said at the end of the day, it still comes down to assisting in the treatment of people injured in accidents or suffering from a long list of illnesses. “These day, we can literally take the emergency room to the home,” David said. “One hundred years ago, doctors made house calls and these days, EMS personnel do the same thing. If the patient has chest pains, we start treatment immediately which enhances the chances for a better outcome.”

During the past three years, David has overseen a number of improvements in the department including improved quality of services, additional training for personnel and an increase in staff to handle the growing need for EMS services in Reno County. 

David said he will miss the association with what he calls a passionate group of dedicated health-care professionals along with interaction with patients and their family members. “My greatest joy in this job is that no two days are alike,” David said. “I have enjoyed my time with Reno County EMS and Hutch Regional. It has been a great ride and a fantastic place to work.”

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, calls Terry David an icon among EMS Chiefs in Kansas. “In three short years, Terry and his team have elevated Reno County EMS to a new level of excellence,” Johnson said. “These efforts have been recognized through a number of state and national awards bestowed on Reno County EMS. His retirement will leave big shoes to fill.”  

Reno County EMS operates with a staff of 36 full-time employees and nine part-timers. In 2018, EMS responded to more than 7,000 calls, a nearly 300 percent increase from David’s early days with Reno County EMS. 

Terry and his wife Erna will continue to reside in Lyons and David will remain active in emergency medical organizations as a member of the board of directors for the National Emergency Medical Training organization where he will travel nationwide to instruct EMS training seminars. Also, he will remain a member of the Kansas Hospital Association EMS Committee and the EMS Advisory Council at Hutchinson Community College. If time permits, David will be available to consult with other EMS agencies throughout Kansas. 

As the owners of a fifth wheel, the couple plans to hit the road for some long awaited vacations to destinations far beyond the borders of Kansas.