Broken Bow EMS reports 484 calls to date after adding ALS; equipment upgrades cited

Emergency Services Department Head David Baltz told the Broken Bow City Council on Nov. 10 that the city’s ambulance service has handled 484 calls so far in 2025 and is on track for about 580 calls by year’s end, "resulting in a 15% increase," he said.

Baltz said 41% of calls have included some level of Advanced Life Support care, ALS staff were available for 96% of calls, and the service had completed 97 inter-facility transfers to date, a figure he projected would reach about 115 by the end of 2025. He described equipment upgrades — including a new ambulance, a ventilator and upgraded life packs — as contributing to improved patient care and operational readiness.

Baltz also said the department has added Starlink communications to its three ambulances to improve connectivity in parts of Custer County where cell coverage can be limited. He reported the Broken Bow Ambulance Service is staffed by 32 EMTs and advanced EMTs and two paramedics, and that multiple staff members are taking classes for advanced training.

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen thanked the ambulance service for adding ALS, saying it "gave them an opportunity to fill a void and gives citizens a better chance at surviving serious medical emergencies." Baltz said the department will host the Lincoln Fire and Rescue Resuscitation Academy on Dec. 13–14 to provide advanced cardiac training for local responders.

The council did not take formal action on EMS staffing or funding during the meeting; the presentation provided an annual recap of ALS operations, equipment upgrades and training plans.