RENTZ Paul Rentz, director of the Lincoln County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), was the guest speaker for the Lincoln-Wilkes Retired Educators Association during the October meeting at the Lincoln County Public Library.

Rentz gave the following information on Emergency Medical Services in Lincoln County:

The EMS is an office in the Department of Public Safety with Ernie Doss as the department's director. In addition to EMS, the Department of Public Safety houses E911 and fire/rescue.

Lincoln County has three ambulances that can be used for emergency responses. In the event that additional ambulances are necessary, Lincoln County has mutual aid agreements with all of the surrounding counties.

Approximately 3.5 service calls are rendered per day. With each call, the sole concern of EMS is the patient and his/her well being. The typical type of call is related to abdominal pain and/or distress, stroke or stroke-like symptoms, and cardiac related symptoms.

The Lincoln County Department of Public Safety offers several community classes through the office of EMS including CPR, safety, distribution of safety materials, community awareness campaigns for prevention related issues, and active involvement at all levels with Lincoln County schools.