The EMS Crisis

The UND Center for Rural Health conducted a statewide Emergency Medical Services Study in 1999. The study, funded by the Otto Bremer Foundation and the Dakota Medical Foundation found that:

• 93% of EMS personnel in the state are volunteers
• Recruitment and retention of EMS personnel is a serious workforce issue in the state. Substantial barriers to recruitment include
  • 77.2% Time commitment
    
  • 71.8% Training requirements
    
  • 40.4% Lack of interest in EMS
    
  • 38,7% Stress
    
  • 38.7% Inadequate pay
• EMS certification levels in the state are:
  
  • 49% Basic
    
  • 28% First Responders
    
  • 9% EMT Intermediate
    
  • 9% EMT Paramedic
    
  • 5% Other

To read the complete transcript of the Prairie Public interview with two rural EMS personnel, click EMT Volunteers Jeff Braaten & Kathy Buckhouse, Glen Ullin, ND

For information regarding EMS certification, ambulance dispatch planning, and other EMS issues, visit the ND Department of Health, Emergency Health Services website at
http://www.health.state.nd.us/ndhd/resource/dehs/

Funding for Life Support is provided by a grant from USDA Rural Development