When someone’s worst moment becomes a call for help, the Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Paramedics of Glacial Ridge are there, ready to act. During National EMS Week, May 17-23, Glacial Ridge Health System proudly recognizes the EMS professionals who serve our communities, from the field to the Emergency Department.
Back: Dave Bast, Brett Bowser, Connor Schlangen, Mike Torkelson, Isaac Spychalla, Brett Schuerman, Spencer Sundberg, Jordan Bares
Middle: Ted Razink, Laurie Rothers, Sean Stelter, Jake Steinhofer, Jessica Morlock, Keli Lembcke, Jeanine Larson, Kern Nelson
Front: Maria Rivers, Jaden Guenther, Loghan Conway, Sierra Bares, Greg Meyers
Not Pictured: Aaron Anderson, Alex Jurek, Allyson Hall, Ben Summer, Brandi Bast, Brian Long, Faline Yackel, Holli Reese, Jacynda Street, Jodi Armstrong, Kailei Johnson, Matt Daniels, Nigel Masters, Staci Laage, Tracy Freese, Tracy Laage
First on Scene, First to Act
In the field, our EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics are the first faces people see in a crisis. Responding from Glenwood, Starbuck, and Brooten, they deliver skilled, hands-on medical care throughout Pope County and beyond, assessing patients, managing emergencies, communicating with the ER team, and making critical decisions long before anyone reaches a hospital. In 2025, Glacial Ridge Ambulance answered 1,466 of those calls, up from more than 1,000 in 2024, including medical emergencies, trauma, interfacility transfers, and public safety support.
Improving Outcomes, Together
This year’s theme speaks to something our team lives every day. EMS professionals don’t work alone. They partner with law enforcement, fire departments, and hospital teams to coordinate care from the moment a call comes in through every step of treatment and recovery.
That coordination now extends further than ever inside our own walls. Glacial Ridge’s Emergency Department is anchored by experienced providers, skilled RNs, and technology that rivals some of the region’s largest hospitals. Adding to that foundation, a growing team of Paramedics brings field-tested clinical expertise into the Emergency Department, supporting the care team with skills built through years of high-stakes experience. When additional hands are needed, EMTs from the ambulance pitch in as well, helping ensure every patient receives timely attention.
In Their Own Words
“I’ve been part of this team for a long time, and I’ve seen firsthand what our crew is capable of,” said Keli Lembcke, EMT and newly promoted Manager of Glacial Ridge Ambulance. “Every person on this team shows up, in the middle of the night, in a blizzard, on a holiday, because they genuinely care about the people in this community. That commitment doesn’t go unnoticed, and it doesn’t go unappreciated.”
Kirk Stensrud, CEO of Glacial Ridge Health System, added, “From the road to the ER, our EMS professionals are a critical part of the care we deliver. Whether they’re responding to a 911 call at 2 a.m. or stabilizing a patient in the Emergency Department, their skill and dedication are what make the difference.”
A Note of Gratitude
Glacial Ridge Health System extends sincere thanks to every EMS team member, past and present, for their service and their steadiness in the moments that matter most. We also pause to honor EMS professionals across the country who have given their lives in the line of duty. Their courage leaves a lasting mark on this profession.
To our EMS team: you are trusted, you are valued, and you are the reason outcomes improve, together.