ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – A legislative task force on Emergency Medical Services held its first hearing Friday in St. Paul.
They are gathering public information on how EMS crews can better serve the public. Among the key issues are a lack of new EMS providers and long response times in rural areas.
Democratic State Representative John Huot of Rosemount said it will come down to whether they can agree to spend the money on increasing service.
“Is the public willing to put in the coffers another level of public safety, per se,” Huot asked. “Is this considered public safety? So, realistically, this whole group behind me wants that input of their public. That’s why the task force will be going outstate.”
Members of the task force said the state’s emergency management system is on the verge of collapse because of a lack of revenue.
The task force next meets in Mount Iron, which is one area where EMS response time can be more than an hour.
EMS operators are hurting for revenue and volunteers, said Democratic State Senator Judy Seeberger of Afton. Seeberger is a paramedic.
“We have a system that is on the verge of collapse, and we need to start identifying solutions to these problems so that we have viable EMS systems throughout the state,” Seeberger said. “When people call 911, the response they expect is timely and adequate for their needs.”
Minnesota has more than 250 licensed ground ambulance services, which in 2021 responded to approximately 540,000 emergency calls to 911 according to state numbers.
A February 2022 report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor outlined a variety of concerns about the overall viability of EMS providers and the persistent funding and staffing challenges they’ve faced in recent years, particularly in greater Minnesota.
The report also noted concerns related to the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board’s oversight capabilities and authority to set certain standards.
Lawmakers will consider recommendations by the task force in the 2025 session.
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