Callaway County Ambulance District
By Mary Napier, Editor, Missouri EMS Connection
Nestled in the storied “Kingdom of Callaway,” the Callaway County Ambulance District (CCAD), also known as Callaway County EMS, stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in emergency medical services. Since its founding in 1972, CCAD has grown into one of Central Missouri’s premier EMS providers under the steady leadership of EMS Director Charles Anderson, who has been with the district since 1985 and served as director since 1993.
The Storied Kingdom of Callaway
The district serves Callaway County, Missouri, a community rich in history. The “Kingdom of Callaway” nickname originated during the Civil War, when local militia under leadership of Col. Jefferson F. Jones, bluffed Union forces with fake cannons, burned bridges, and felled trees to give the illusion of a heavily fortified position to avoid conflict. That independent spirit still defines the area today, along with notable landmarks like Westminster College in Fulton, where Winston Churchill delivered his famous Iron Curtain speech at the invitation of President Harry S. Truman.
Located at the intersection of US Highway 54 and Interstate 70, Callaway County sees heavy traffic, serving nearly 30,000 vehicles daily. It’s also home to Missouri’s only nuclear power plant, the Callaway Energy Center, providing unique training opportunities for CCAD staff in handling radiological incidents.
CCAD’s Comprehensive Operations
Covering an 847-square-mile area, including 12 square miles of waterways such as the Missouri River and Little Dixie Lake, with a population of 44,283, CCAD responded to 5,653 calls in 2024. This is up from 4,800 calls in 2014. Its three stations located in Fulton, Kingdom City, and Holts Summit are equipped with eight ALS ambulances, five of which are staffed around the clock, a supervisor’s vehicle, administrative vehicles, and a mass casualty incident (MCI) resource trailer.
The district employs 33 paramedics, 20 EMTs, and one AEMT. Under protocols approved by Dr. Christopher Sampson of the University of Missouri Hospital ER, CCAD offers advanced procedures like drug-assisted intubation, intraosseous (I/O) access, ventilator use, and finger thoracotomy.
Paramedic staff are required to maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, with Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) as optional. Many staff also hold Critical Care (FP-C) certifications, with pay incentives for those who do.
A Proactive Approach to Mental Health Crises
CCAD is leading the way in mental health emergency response by requiring Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for all EMTs and paramedics, making the district one of the first in the region to adopt this standard. Recognizing the rising mental health crisis in the U.S., with one in five adults facing mental illness each year, the district mandated the 40-hour CIT course for staff.
CIT equips first responders with the tools to safely and humanely handle mental health crises. Staff learn to assess patients, de-escalate crises, and direct them to appropriate care—whether that means on-scene referrals to the 988 mental health crisis hotline, transport to crisis stabilization units, or other specialized facilities.
“CIT is not only about tackling crises; it’s about giving patients what they need to heal and live well,” said Director Anderson.
By using CIT, CCAD ensures patients in crisis are properly cared for, reducing unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits and improving patient outcomes. CIT-certified EMS personnel can help patients avoid long ED waits and access more individualized care at crisis centers, detox facilities, or outpatient psychiatric clinics.
The benefits extend beyond patients to the larger healthcare system. CIT relieves ED overcrowding, allowing hospitals to focus on acute emergencies while saving resources. It also strengthens community trust in EMS, as families know responders are prepared to handle mental health emergencies compassionately and in more coordinated ways.
Callaway County EMS’s preparedness during a mental health crisis is one example of how local agencies can make a real difference when it comes to mental health. With CIT at the center, the agency is making the system not only more responsive, but also a better, more humane, and more efficient emergency care system for everyone.
Community Engagement and Tactical EMS
CCAD’s community involvement is central to its mission. The district offers EMT, CPR, and “Stop the Bleed” classes to equip residents with life-saving skills. Its tactical EMS team partners with the Callaway County Sheriff’s Department, supporting high-risk operations such as search warrants and barricaded subject responses.
Throughout the year, CCAD participates in community events like parades, high school football games, trunk-or-treat events, and the “Shop with a Hero” program. It also maintains the community’s PulsePoint AED registry and is an active member of the local Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) network.
Pioneering Leadership
Under Director Anderson’s leadership, CCAD transformed from a struggling organization into a leader in Central Missouri’s EMS community.
“To remember where the ambulance district was when I took over in 1993 (we were mired in much internal and external conflict) to where we sit today as one of the premier EMS services in Central Missouri is something that I am very proud of,” said Director Anderson.
In addition, the district is proud of its $4 million headquarters overlooking Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton—a project completed without a bond issue through a public-private partnership that was completed four years ago.
A Vision for the Future
CCAD’s mission is clear: to provide the highest quality emergency and non-emergency care, education, and outreach with compassion, professionalism, and responsibility. Their vision extends beyond immediate medical response, aiming to enhance the overall health of the community through continuous training and service improvement. As they look to the future, CCAD remains committed to adapting to emerging health challenges, ensuring that the “Kingdom of Callaway” thrives with a robust and responsive emergency medical service at its core.
For more information about CCAD’s services, educational programs, or community initiatives, visit their official website at https://www.callawayambulance.org.
