Local ambulance services ask voters to approve additional funds via Measure #1

At the polls this November, Eddy County voters will decide on Measure #1, a mill levy increase for the Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford (CASNR) and the McHenry Ambulance Service. On the ballot, the measure will read, "Shall Eddy County levy a tax of not to exceed ten (10) mills for the purpose of county emergency services?"

There are several reasons why the local ambulance services need an increase in the number of local mills available including a decrease in the North Dakota EMS Funding Grant and state requirements that local funding increase.

Currently, CASNR receives 4 mills from Eddy County. From these funds, McHenry Ambulance Service receives 10 percent of the mill levy as payment for the services they provide to three townships in eastern Eddy County.

In North Dakota's history, ambulance services were often born out of the fire departments. It wasn't until 1971, when Marty Lucht and Celeste Risovi held the first ambulance training classes in New Rockford, that the ambulance service began to operate independently with a non-entity status.

In 2011, CASNR obtained 501(c)(3) status as nonprofit organization and became eligible to apply for grant funding and receive tax deductible donations, which helped with the acquisition of necessary equipment. Through successful fundraising and grant support, CASNR has been able to maintain a fleet of three ambulances, build the current ambulance hall and integrate state-of-the-art 12 Lead technology and Lucas equipment into their fleet. In addition, through a joint application with the Eddy County Sheriff's Department to the Department of Homeland Security, CASNR was able to acquire a mass casualty incident vehicle, which has the capacity and supplies to treat up to 20 patients at one time.

However, this year, funding from the state EMS Funding Grant decreased, affecting both CASNR and McHenry Ambulance Service. The most recent grant award totaled $39,000, a significant decrease from the $110,000 awarded in previous years.

Additional grant funding for ambulance service tends to be limited to small, specifically purposed grants. For example, CASNR recently received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security for security cameras in the ambulance hall. Sandy O'Connor, President of the CASNR Board of Directors and active volunteer, explained that small funding sources with designated purposes are great, but they don't address the greatest need, which is personnel.

CASNR has two paid staff members, including a part time bookkeeper and full time paramedic manager. At any given time, no matter the day or the season, CASNR has three volunteers ready to respond. The state requires one emergency medical technician (EMT) and one CPR-certified driver are on each call. CASNR includes an additional driver, EMT or emergency medical responder (EMR) so that there can always be two volunteers with the patient, one to record and relay information and the other to provide medical attention. In addition to EMTs, EMRs and CPR drivers, CASNR has one paramedic and six EMTs who are also registered nurses.

National EMT certification requires a six month training, including a 120 hour class, successful completion of a practical exam, a national written exam and ongoing continuing education. EMR trainees complete a 60 hour class training and CPR drivers receive CPR training.

Monthly trainings help to fulfill the requirements for ongoing education, but often require the purchase of materials and payment of an instructor. If a volunteer is unable to attend a meeting, CASNR will cover the cost for them to travel for the training. O'Connor explains, "We want to keep our volunteers, so we help them keep their certifications. Both the Community Ambulance in New Rockford and McHenry are staffed by well trained professionals who receive little to no pay for their services. There is no other medical profession that is staffed this way."

Over the next several weeks, CASNR and McHenry Ambulance Services will host public informational meetings to discuss Eddy County Measure #1. If approved, this measure allows for an increase in the mill levy for Eddy County ambulance services.

The following public meetings have been scheduled throughout Eddy County to discuss Measure #1.

 • Sunday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Sheyenne Senior Citizens Center

 • Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Eagles Club, New Rockford

 • Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. in the McHenry Ambulance Hall

 • Thursday, Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. in the Sheyenne Senior Citizen Center

 • Thursday, Oct 18 at 9 a.m. at Rockford Café, New Rockford

 • Monday, Oct 22 at 9 a.m. in the McHenry Ambulance Hall