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Esmond solving Esmond challenge as a community

Early last spring, the Esmond community found itself faced with a challenge. After four decades of ambulance service, because of inadequate numbers of Emergency Medical Technicians and inability they were unable to keep someone on call at all times. The community had not been able to retain its numbers as members retired or moved away. Service to the district then had to come from Maddock, Rugby or Harvey. It’s a problem other communities, particularly in rural areas, face.

Looking at the potential of 45-minute waits for responders from neighboring towns, the people of Esmond worked together for a solution.

The Esmond Community Quick Response Unit, staffed with certified Emergency Medical Responders, is set to launch and provide the community the service it needs. Eight people have just finished an Emergency Medical Response class.

The Quick Response Unit won’t be transporting patients. Instead, EMRs will provide care, such as stabilization, shock management, bleeding control and cardiac care, until an ambulance service arrives. That first contact care can often make a vital difference to a patient outcome. The unit expects to affiliate with Maddock’s ambulance service as its primary response partner.

As other rural communities around North Dakota and the U.S. face a similar challenge, it’s good to see a community work together for such a smart plan. It’s notable that may of the EMRs are younger people.

Congratulations to the people of Esmond.

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