Spencer, IA (KICD)– Hospitals and medical crews across the country are noticing a shortage of paramedics and emergency medical technicians and the Spencer Hospital is no different.

Laura Manwarren is Emergency Department Director for the Spencer Hospital and she tells KICD News the first problem is not having enough space to keep all of their ambulances in a climate controlled location.

Manwarren says Spencer currently uses a minimal crew on each shift.

She says a proposal being drawn up now would allow the Spencer Fire Department to step in and help with both the equipment housing needs and making more staff available.

The proposal and agreement is currently being drafted by the City Attorney’s Office and will be presented to the Spencer Committee of the Whole by Manwarren and Spencer Fire Chief John Conyn next month.