The newly formed ambulance task force met for the first time last week, bringing together local stakeholders to discuss the future of the Moody County Ambulance Service.
Representatives from the City of Flandreau, Moody County, Avera Flandreau Hospital, Avera Medical Group, and other individuals participated in the meeting, which marked the latest effort to resolve a lengthy dispute over funding and operations.
The task force was established following a pivotal decision by county commissioners earlier this month. Frustrated by annual financial losses exceeding $70,000 and a lack of additional financial support from the City of Flandreau, commissioners voted to offer the city ownership of the ambulance service. The offer includes both ambulances, all related equipment, and full operational responsibility.
The city, which accounts for the majority of ambulance calls in Moody County, has until February 28 to respond to the proposal.
During the meeting, local EMTs Scott Ganschow and Wes Hall provided a detailed overview of the ambulance service for city officials and other task force members.
They outlined how staffing is managed, the challenges of daily operations, billing procedures, and the process for calling or receiving mutual aid from neighboring services when local crews are unavailable.
A lack of reliable mutual aid from surrounding counties emerged as a critical concern. Neighboring ambulance services, many of which face their own staffing and funding challenges, are often unable or unwilling to assist Moody County.
The issue has further strained the local system and underscores the need for a sustainable solution.
I felt the meeting was informative. I felt people came and left their agendas at the door and came open-minded to truly find a way to solidify a reliable ambulance service continuing in both Flandreau and the county, said Flandreau Mayor Dan Sutton.
Sutton emphasized that even if Flandreau takes over the service, it will continue to serve the entire county.
We all have friends, family, people we care about, and it shouldnt matter where you reside in our county to receive the service. Even though the service may be considered non-essential, it is an essential service. And its economic development. If we didnt have an ambulance herewe lose a lot of folks to other communities because we dont have certain services. If we lose an ambulance, theres going to be an exodus of people because everyone will be scared no one will come help them when they need help, and I hear that a lot from seniors that I work with. They are nervous, theyre scared. We want to assure them they will be okay.
Sutton also noted the importance of bringing all stakeholders what he referred to as the four legs of the stool together to talk through the issue in one room.
Weekly meetings that are open to the public and broadcast online are scheduled between this week and the February 28 deadline.
As discussions continue, the task force will weigh whether the City of Flandreau can feasibly assume responsibility for the ambulance service or if an alternate solution, such as shared funding or operational changes, can be implemented to sustain the service long-term.
