KETTLE RIVER — Minnesota's rural ambulance providers remain passionate about their mission but still hope for light at the end of the tunnel regarding funding woes, and the recognition of one staffer's efforts illustrates the balancing act.
The Legislature has several bills on the table to enhance aid for rural emergency medical service teams. Lawmakers leading support efforts say rural EMS crews often cover long distances while operating on tighter budgets, putting added pressure on recruiting and retaining staff. The state approved $30 million in funding in 2024, but advocates said more sustainable models are needed.
Jennifer Johnson, an emergency medical responder for the Kettle River Fire Department and treasurer of the Carlton County EMS Council, said despite any hardships, she and her colleagues know they have to always be ready.
"We have to be the people that are leaned on," Johnson acknowledged. "We have to provide that support not only to our patient but also to their families. The community does expect us to show up when they call 911, and we do."
Beyond 911 calls, pooling together resources at the administrative level led to Johnson recently being named Carlton County EMS Person of the Year. She noted the skills spill over from separate union roles under the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees. Rural EMS providers like Johnson's responders tend to be volunteers but some crews are paid with union benefits.
No matter the status, Johnson stressed EMS teams need proper training support and other funding to ease workloads. She added making sure first responders are not stretched thin, especially in rural areas, gets to the heart of addressing mental health needs within the field.
"Historically, it's a 'suck it up' culture. We don't like to admit our vulnerabilities," Johnson observed. "We don't like to ask for help. We like to just stuff it down."
She emphasized not fighting for a good work-life balance creates unhealthy coping mechanisms for her line of work. A number of the state aid bills in the Legislature carried over from 2025, and it is unclear whether they will get a strong look this year as lawmakers debate other pressing needs.
