Minnesota Legislators are asking for emergency funds for EMS services amid what they call a 'crisis' in rural parts of the state.
The proposal would support workforce recruitment, increase medicaid reimbursements and create new streams of funding for EMS statewide.
State Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL- Hermantown) says without more money lives could be on the line.
"I want us to imagine for a second that you're at home, maybe on Lake Vermillion up in northern Minnesota, and your loved one has a heart attack," says Hauschild. "You dial 911 and you're waiting and waiting for an ambulance. This is a moral, imperative issue in our rural communities. We are not seeing the sustainability of ambulance services."
Last year Minnesota implemented a $30 million emergency aid package for ambulance services but Hauschild stresses there is still more work to do.
Advocates say 911 response times in rural communities have become dangerously slow due to outdated funding models and a decrease in staff.
"The consequences of underfunding and workforce shortages are real and have serious implications for EMS services," the Mayo Clinic's Michael Juntunen says. "They are being forced to cut shifts, lose staff, and in some cases shut down entirely."
Lawmakers are asking for $50 million a year in on going funding to help replenish staff and maintain current services.