Flandreau readies Emergency Medical Services transition

The City of Flandreau is advertising for two full-time and as many part-time EMTs as possible as it prepares to transition what has for decades been a county-run ambulance service to city operation at the start of the new year.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the city will assume full responsibility for the local ambulance service.
Rural communities nationwide are struggling to sustain ambulance services. Many departments rely heavily on volunteers, an aging workforce, and unpredictable reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. In South Dakota, several small towns have reduced hours, consolidated with neighboring districts or, in some cases, faced temporary service gaps after staffing shortages forced ambulances offline.
Moody County leaders have noted similar pressure: rising call volumes, difficulty recruiting EMTs, and increasing challenges with EMS licensing and billing.
After more than a year of contentious conversations about how to best sustain local services, city and county officials say they are working closely together to ensure a smooth handoff for both patients and employees.
County Commissioners last week approved moving the ambulances to the old city fire hall, now undergoing renovations to house ambulance bays along with space for on-shift and on-call staff.
The city is focused on recruiting new EMTs and retaining existing county employees while working with PCC on Medicare, Medicaid and insurance enrollments. Fees will increase slightly under the new structure, though City Administrator Cohl Turnquist emphasized the transition including the physical transfer of ambulances, required to be in the citys possession for at least 30 days before billing begins should be seamless.
The City intends to continue offering high level ambulance services with the qualified and professional staff that have continually served all of Moody County, said Turnquist. There will be no difference when contacting 911 other than the fact that we are recruiting and would love some individuals who are interested in coming forward to work FT or PT.
Also heard at the most recent meeting of the Flandreau City Council:
The Governor has declared administrative leave for November 27, December 24, and December 26, in which the city office will be closed.
City Hall was also closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Turnquist also recently met with Flandreau Baseball Association President Chris Wiese and Summer Recreation Director Emma Peters to address challenges in recruiting little league umpires. More on the issue in an upcoming edition of the Moody County Enterprise.