The Chickasaw County EMS department has passed its first anniversary of providing ambulance service in the County.
Operations began January 1, 2023, with two ambulances running out of New Hampton. A third rig was added last July, based in Fredericksburg. In August, the County purchased property at 204 East Prospect Street in New Hampton to provide an official home for the EMS department.
Despite industry challenges in recent years to retain first responders, EMS Director Joel Knutson says they were fortunate to avoid the issue in year one.
Knutson says that enthusiasm has extended to the third rig in Fredericksburg, which helps extend their service to patients.
Knutson adds that there’s still room to grow.
The County is still going through the process of getting bids to remodel the EMS building to include office space and sleeping quarters for crew members who are on call.
Knutson says that will also enhance their service by decreasing response times.
