Otter Tail County, MN – At its November 5th meeting, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners approved a grant agreement with the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB), allowing Otter Tail County to serve as the fiscal agent for an innovative two-county emergency medical services response model pilot program.
The state Legislature enacted the pilot program during its 2024 session. It is intended to enhance the delivery of advanced life support services in rural and underserved areas and improve response times, patient outcomes, and overall community outcomes. The Legislature designated one pilot program for a combined effort between Otter Tail and Grant counties and a second for St. Louis County.
“This pilot program is an important step toward strengthening EMS in rural Minnesota,” said MN State Senator Jordan Rasmusson. “By bringing rapid response units to underserved areas in Otter Tail and Grant counties, we are working to ensure that residents have access to life-saving care when it’s needed most.”
The pilot program in Otter Tail and Grant counties will provide up to three rapid response units that can provide advanced medical care services at an emergency scene until more help arrives. Partners in the program include Henning Ambulance, Parkers Prairie Ambulance, Perham Area EMS and Ringdahl EMS in Otter Tail County and Ashby Ambulance, Hoffman Ambulance, and Lake Region Ambulance Elbow Lake in Grant County. Otter Tail County and Grant County are also represented on the program’s board.
“I’m glad to see this (pilot program) address the challenges of rural healthcare,” said County Commissioner Robert Lahman. “I am thankful for the collaboration that will bring positive results to our residents and communities.”
The EMSRB approved the grant agreement at its meeting on November 21st. The program is expected to launch in early 2025 and be authorized to operate through June 2027.
Story courtesy of Otter Tail County
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