By: Olivia Prondzinski
WEST CONCORD, Minn. (KTTC) – Yet another rural community is on the verge of losing its emergency services as communities grapple with low volunteer rates and funding.
The city of West Concord has temporarily suspended transportation for its daytime ambulance service. However, the city said residents will not see a major difference with response times and care.
The city has proposed a contract with Dodge Center to ensure its community still has proper care.
From the hours of 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., West Concord will respond to give initial care. From there, Dodge Center’s ambulance will transport patients to hospitals.
The only difference could come down to the billing amount. According to the city, this suspension is temporary while it works to hire two full-time EMTs. In the meantime, the city is looking for more volunteers.
“It is a very tough decision. I was on the service for 15 years and it is a source of pride in my heart. It is hard to watch, not only as a citizen but also to make those hard decisions as mayor that we need to make sometimes to make things work,” mayor Jeffery McCool said.
For more information on how to volunteer or the open EMT positions, click here.
Original post: https://www.kttc.com/2024/01/06/west-concord-suspends-ambulance-services-after-low-volunteer-rates/
