VIENNA — Western District Commissioner Patrick Kleffner, Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman and Sheriff Mark Morgan were in attendance Oct. 13 for the Maries-Osage Ambulance District regularly scheduled meeting where they asked about the district’s policy on performing blood draws for criminal cases. 

Morgan spoke to the board about the challenges his department faces surrounding blood draws for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases. Morgan noted that a major challenge is the lack of hospitals in Maries County, which limits where blood draws can be performed. Morgan said search warrants are valid only within the county, meaning a warrant from Maries County cannot be used at Phelps Hospital, and similar restrictions apply to the Dixon ambulance base due to jurisdictional laws.

Maries-Osage Ambulance Director Carla Butler explained that district coverage varies with the type of staff on hand, and there isn’t someone that would always be available to perform blood draws. She stated that staff face restrictions, including having to follow the guidance from the district’s medical director, who advised them against doing blood draws for law enforcement.

According to Butler, Brett Regiel and Frank Flashpolar from EMS Legal Services have advised against performing DWI blood draws, and the board of directors said it will not go against the guidance of the district’s medical director.

Efforts are underway at the state level to offer a phlebotomy class in early 2026, though only 15 seats will be available statewide, making participation highly competitive, according to Morgan. He said he was hoping one of his officers would be chosen for the training.

In addition, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Old business included a canceled training session due to low enrollment, with the corresponding check returned to the district. Butler also reported that she attended a training seminar at the lake to further help the board.

Board updates also included the resignation of Don Lanning due to health concerns, with new board member Angie Thompson agreeing to fill the vacant position.

The district reported handling 35 calls in Vienna and 41 in Freeburg. Out of the 35 calls in Vienna, 17 were urgent calls and two were transfers. In Freeburg, there were 20 urgent calls and six transfers.

Vehicle maintenance updates were provided, with Truck 81 receiving six new tires and Truck 82 requiring additional service.

The board also spoke about upcoming community events including a blood pressure screening at the Vienna Senior Center, Trunk or Treat at the Vienna Square, visits to local daycares, an annual event in Freeburg on Nov. 6 at the American Legion, Halloween night activities and a staff Christmas party.

Looking ahead, the district plans to acquire two new ambulances, with the first expected in June 2026 and the second in October 2026. Estimated costs are between $500,000 and $600,000 for both, and further budget discussions will take place before any formal decision is made.

In other business, all future Maries-Osage Ambulance District meetings will begin at 6 p.m., a change from the previous 6:30 p.m. start time.