A legislative task force on Emergency Medical Services is holding its first hearing Friday in St. Paul.
They are gathering public information on how EMS crews can better the serve the public. Among the key issues are a lack of new EMS providers and long response times in rural areas.
State Representative John Huot (DFL- Rosemount) says it will come down to whether they can agree to spend the money on increasing service.
"Is the public willing to put in the coffers another level of public safety, per se," asks Huot. "Is this considered public safety? So, realistically, this whole group behind me want that input of their public. That's why the task force will be going outstate."
Members of the task force says the state's emerency management system is on the verge of collapse because of a lack of revenue.
The task force next meets in Mount Iron, which is one area where EMS reponse time can be more than an hour.
EMS operators are hurting for revenue and volunteers says State Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL- Afton), herself is a paramedic.
"We have a system that is on the verge of collapse, and we need to start identifying solutions to these problems so that we have viable EMS systems throughout the state," says Seeberger. "When people call 911, the response the expect is timely and adequate for their needs."
Minnesota has more than 250 licensed ground ambulance services, which in 2021 responded to approximately 540,000 emergency calls to 911 according to state numbers.
A February 2022 report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor outlined a variety of concerns about the overall viability of EMS providers and the persistent funding and staffing challenges they’ve faced in recent years, particularly in greater Minnesota.
The report also noted concerns related to the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board’s oversight capabilities and authority to set certain standards.
Lawmakers will consider recommendations by the task force in the 2025 session.