The Iowa City Fire Department (ICFD) expanded its partnership with the Johnson County Ambulance Service (JCAS) to improve the delivery of emergency medical services to the west side of Iowa City. 

JCAS began operating an ambulance crew from ICFD Station 2, 301 Emerald St., on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. An Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. This collaboration will reduce ambulance response times during peak demand hours, enhance the level of emergency medical services available to residents, and strengthen existing public safety and health care partnerships.

All Iowa City Firefighters are trained to the EMT-Basic level and can provide lifesaving care. However, ICFD cannot transport patients.

"This partnership will get an ALS ambulance on scene more quickly," said ICFD Battalion Chief Zach Hickman. "It improves emergency care for the people of Iowa City."

Since March 2016, JCAS has responded to calls from ICFD Station 4, 2008 Dubuque Road. JCAS operates from this station 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Johnson County as a whole is growing and, along with it, the need for the delivery of timely emergency medical care," said JCAS Director Fiona Johnson. "In a medical emergency, every moment matters and the ability to strategically place our personnel to improve call times is crucial."