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County weighs expanded EMS coverage as volunteer shortages and response delays grow
Summary
Woodbury County emergency services leaders described rising call volumes and daytime EMT shortages, prompting supervisors to consider budget options, staffing models and—if needed—a voter referendum to designate EMS an essential service.
Emergency Services Director Drew Beyer told residents the county's duty-crew model provides paramedic-level support to volunteer departments, but said increasing call volumes and volunteer shortages are stretching coverage in rural areas.
"The big problem we have right now is just the call volume is increasing," Beyer said, describing how paramedics support volunteer squads and…
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