Urgent: Ambulance Needs On-Call Staff in Brooten

The Brooten and Belgrade communities are facing a critical shortage of on-call Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) and EMTs, creating challenges for timely local ambulance response – especially during daytime hours. Without enough trained responders available for Brooten Ambulance, help must be dispatched from Glenwood instead. While that response time is well within state requirements, it’s not the level of emergency medical service the communities have been fortunate to have for decades.

The Brooten Ambulance has long been staffed by people who stepped up for their neighbors, often serving for many years. Ask anyone who has worked as an EMR or EMT, and they’ll tell you how meaningful it is to help in a medical emergency. Their dedication and the support of their families have been a source of pride for the community. That same dependable service now depends on others stepping forward to continue that legacy.

While on-call EMRs and EMTs are considered volunteers, they receive a stipend of $5.75 per hour on-call time, and run time is paid hourly. EMT starting wage is $26.28/hour, and EMRs start at $20.66/hour. Pay is higher for those with EMR or EMT experience.

Employer Support is Crucial:

Your business can be part of the solution. Even local employers with just a few employees can make a significant difference. Glacial Ridge Health System is asking businesses to consider flexibility for their employees to be on-call and respond to medical emergencies during daytime hours. The more ambulance staff there are, the fewer days each person will need to be on-call.

Free EMR Training Provided:

Get trained and licensed at no cost to drive an ambulance and assist EMTs. The training course will prepare you with the skills and confidence to help change the outcome of medical emergencies in our community.

EMR to EMT Training:

This is an excellent opportunity to become an EMT and have your education paid for while working as an on-call EMR. Inquire about the course and commitment to the ambulance service in Brooten as an EMT.

Spread the Word:

If you know individuals who work in the Brooten community and may be interested in volunteering with the ambulance, tell them about the need! Community and employer support are vital in recruiting volunteers.