What would you do?
If your parent or grandparent suddenly showed signs of having a heart attack or stroke?
You’d call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
If you and your family is in a vehicle accident and someone – in your vehicle or the other vehicle or both – could be injured?
You’d call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Unless something changes, we could lose this vital service that we all depend on being there if and when it is needed.
Then, who would you call?
Sean Roed, who heads the Lake Region Ambulance Service, told the Journal in an interview on Thursday, May 9 that the Lake Region Ambulance was able to secure the funding for their next payroll, but it could have been their last payroll. Reimbursement levels have created a situation that is critical.
It will come as news to most readers that Ambulance and EMT Services are not considered Essential Services in the state of North Dakota. In fact, under ND Job Services, Paramedics and EMT’s are listed as Chauffeurs not Medical Providers. Only 11 states in the U.S. have codified EMS in state statute as an essential service. Surely that’s something that the legislature needs to address.
In 2023 the North Dakota Legislature passed a law requiring most ambulance services serving rural areas to form a Rural Ambulance Service District by June 30, 2025.
With the sudden closure recently of the air ambulance service, the Lake Region Ambulance has become the sole Advanced Life Support ambulance service that provides critical transports. Reimbursements for their services, however, are sadly lower than the actual costs.
In the June Primary Election they will be asking area residents to approve an Ambulance Tax District where they can seek Mill Levies to help fund their services. Without these funds, they may have to close their doors.
Roed has laid out the case to both the Devils Lake City Commission and the Ramsey County Commission seeking their aid. Both political entities responded and voted to approve being co-signer on a promissory note to guarantee the money to cover payroll for the next three months, to tide them over. How long can that continue, however?
At the polls on June 11, voters will have the opportunity to help with this situation. If it passes, the Lake Region Rural Ambulance Tax District will provide on-going funding for this vital service in Devils Lake and the surrounding area. The mill levies will help fund the ambulance service for the future. Without those funds, the ambulance service may be forced to close its doors and alternative transport will have to be found by citizens needing help.
