Minnesota task force presents findings in rural EMS crisis
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(ABC 6 News) – A bipartisan Minnesota task force looks to address challenges to rural EMS services.
They say the problem comes down to retention, recruitment and falling to reimbursement rates from federal funding.
As lawmakers see, there needs to be an urgent fix.
“This isn’t a matter of if we fix this, it’s a matter of must, because this is an absolute situation that affects all of us,” said Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Duluth).
“If we fail to do something this year, we fail to stabilize greater Minnesota in a way that we could make a big impact,” Representative Jeff Brand (DFL-St. Peter) said.
Proposed solutions include a hybrid shift system using both EMTs and volunteers and creating retention and pay grants.