Serving Owen County Since 1976
During the 1970s, a national initiative was launched to develop Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the country. In response, Owen County established what is now known as Owen County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS) in 1976.
Our Early Years
OCEMS began operations in various temporary locations, including the Spencer Municipal Building and the Owen County Fairgrounds. Eventually, we settled into our first official home—a former filling station located at the southwest corner of Morgan and Washington Streets.
At the time, OCEMS was a Basic Life Support (BLS) service staffed by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and operated two van-style ambulances.
Growth and Progress
In 1988, with the construction of the new Owen County Jail, a dedicated EMS station was also built on the same property. This facility became our long-term base of operations for over three decades.
In 2002, OCEMS took a significant step forward by adding Paramedics to the team. This advancement elevated our level of care and allowed us to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) to residents and visitors of Owen County.
Modernization and Expansion
As our call volume increased, our ambulance fleet expanded, and our staff numbers grew, it became clear that our existing facility could no longer meet our operational needs.
In 2015, OCEMS began planning for a new, purpose-built station. After years of careful research, design, and development, we proudly moved into our current facility in September 2019.
This modern station allows us, for the first time, to house all of our ambulances and rescue equipment under one roof, enhancing our efficiency and readiness to serve Owen County.