Critical EMT shortage in Carter County

The ambulance service in Ekalaka has very few EMTs. They range in age from age twenty-four to 70+, and most have other full time jobs. Counting illness and medical leave, there are currently only four people who can take calls.

An average month has 1,440 hours which need to be covered by a two-person crew for the ambulance. There are times when there are no names on the call sheet. When this happens any EMT that can respond does - whether it's the middle of the day or night. They do what they can to provide the community with an ambulance service.

This is where you can help!

The service needs more EMT personnel, and along with Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association they will be holding an EMT class in the spring. The class will consist of two parts: a classroom portion using a GotoMeeting link two nights per week, and one or two Saturdays per month for hands-on learning - taught by licensed EMTs from the community.

For more information contact Judy Wright, Ambulance Director, at (406) 853-4698 or any other Ekalaka area EMT.

Your community needs you!