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Technology and budgets were the focus of the Webster County Emergency Medical Service Advisory Council Wednesday evening.
The council discussed the potential purchase of a dispatch software program that would enable the collection of data about medical responses that is needed for annual reports.
"Data is huge going forward," said Dan Hanson, who represents the Southwest Webster Emergency Medical Service on the council.
The software would cost about $7,000.
At the recommendation of Scott Richard, the county's emergency medical service coordinator, a subcommittee was formed to consider the issue and make a recommendation.
The council approved purchase of a Panasonic Toughbook laptop for Richard's' use. It can be mounted in his county-owned SUV for use in the field. It was purchased for $3,557.20 from CDW, of Vernon Hills, Illinois.
The council also approved the proposed uses of revenue from the county's designated EMS tax which were presented by the Fort Dodge Fire Department and the Dayton Rescue Squad for the current fiscal year.
Fort Dodge will receive $1,154,826.63. All of that money will be set aside for the construction of a second firehouse in the 300 block of A Street.
Dayton will receive $100,400.95. That money will be used for maintenance, supplies and a possible ambulance purchase.