(KAIR)--The transition for Atchison County to take over EMS service from previous management Techs. Inc. is underway.

City and county Commissioners were given an update on the progress and status of the EMS transition by Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf and recently-appointed EMS Ambulance Director Corey Scott at a joint City-County Commission meeting Monday.

The county will officially take over EMS service at 10:00 the morning of Jan. 31.

“Between now and then obviously there’s a few hurdles to jump,” Graf said. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, but it certainly can be done.”

He emphasized the desire to the fire department and EMS departments to work closely together and share rules, regulations and even treatment methods.

“We will be utilizing EMS protocol,” Graf said. “County Rescue will be sharing those as well. Our two agencies are going to be very alike in a lot of different ways. I personally thing that’s in all of our best interests.”

Graf said there’s still specific logistics to work out for the transition, but he and Scott are both confident they’ll be accomplished in time for the switch.