Rural Wis. struggles with volunteer EMT shortage

ABC2

GILLETT, Wis. — What would happen if someone were to call 911, but there was no one available to take the call? That question is quickly becoming reality for many rural areas, according to the EMS Task Force of Northeast Wisconsin.

The task force is making its case for urgent changes to be made for rural ambulance services to continue as dwindling staff and funds have brought many local departments to their breaking point.

The Gillett Area Ambulance Service doesn’t have enough help even with about 16 licensed volunteers on call at all times, but they are still not the worst off in the area. Recently, the Goodman Armstrong Rescue Squad of Marinette County sent out a frantic plea for volunteers so that the department could keep its doors open. The towns are not large enough to support a full-time paid ambulance staff.

Read full story: Rural ambulance services at risk of becoming extinct