After ambulance service closes, North Dakota community creates alternative

The central North Dakota community of Esmond had an ambulance service for 40 years, until a lack of emergency medical technicians caused it to be discontinued. Now, community members are banding together to create the Esmond Community Quick Response Unit.

"It's important for them, even if it's just somebody there holding their hand, talking to them, helping them to be calm," Cortney Rennock, an emergency medical responder on the young team, told the Minot Daily News. "It helps to have somebody who can be there in five to 10 minutes, versus 45 minutes."

She and her husband, who is also a member of the local fire department, are a part of the emergency medical responder team of 11, for now.

Squad leader Cindy Wilhelm said at least a few more people are interested in completing an online EMR class starting in January.

The 40-hour training is less involved than the 110-hour training required to staff an ambulance service, but additional training hours are required every two years. There also are no on-call EMTs: members respond as they are available. All emergency medical responders are equipped with jump bags containing medical supplies and oxygen tanks, so they may go directly to a call.

Five defibrillators were ordered and placed with some responders throughout the service district as well. There are also defibrillators available in several public buildings and businesses in Esmond.

Responders will provide care — such as stabilization, shock management, bleeding control and cardiac care — until an ambulance service arrives. The team is working in conjunction with an ambulance service in Maddock, about a half-hour away, as its primary response partner.