On a cold, snowy morning in March, an EMS team began performing CPR along a small rural highway and continued for hours. Despite heroic efforts to keep his heart beating, the needed support arrived too late. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Mindi Rueb – Herreid, SD The details of the morning of March 12,ContinueContinue reading “Advanced Support Arrives Too Late”
Author Archives: sfredenbsdfmc
Ashia Starks: Building the Future EMS Workforce
Ashia Starks is building a powerful bridge between EMS and education. Her leadership brings EMS into the classroom and inspires youth to explore EMS and healthcare careers. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Haden Merkel – Mobridge, SD Ashia Starks is helping build the future of EMS by connecting education, career exploration, and community service in powerfulContinueContinue reading “Ashia Starks: Building the Future EMS Workforce”
Kate Roessler: Leading with Energy and Collaboration
Kate Roessler brings energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. A natural collaborator, she has played a key role in advancing regional initiatives. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Haden Merkel – Mobridge, SD Kate Roessler has become a vital part of Standing Rock Ambulance and a trusted partner in regional EMS collaboration, bringing energy, leadership, and a patient‑centered focusContinueContinue reading “Kate Roessler: Leading with Energy and Collaboration”
Holly Spencer: Genuine Care for Each EMS Patient
Holly Spencer’s genuine compassion and care for the people of Faith make her an EMS Hero. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Kodi Pharris – Faith “Holly Spencer is always one to jump to any call that the ambulance gets,” shared Kodi Pharris. “She puts her all into her work while raising four kids at home. She genuinelyContinueContinue reading “Holly Spencer: Genuine Care for Each EMS Patient”
Community Development through Endowments and Grants
Strengthening and sustaining the EMS infrastructure is among the list of areas benefitting from SDCH programs and resources. “I know through my work at SDCF, EMS is the safeguard our communities rely on in their most at-risk moments,” shared Ginger Niemann, senior program officer for the SDCF.
Sharing EMS Resources to Reduce Burden
Mobridge Regional Hospital worked with area communities to secure funding for emergency medical services (EMS) education and equipment through the Regional Service Designation (RSD) awards. An overview of the resource sharing program was presented by Haden Merkel, philanthropy engagement coordinator, during the EMS Extra event on November 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM Central. https://youtu.be/bZ4MGpgv_GI Webinar Recording:ContinueContinue reading “Sharing EMS Resources to Reduce Burden”
Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program 2024 Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals
The Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) is offering scholarships to complete the new Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program (a $600 value) free of charge! To expand an interdisciplinary approach to antimicrobial stewardship, SIDP is seeking allied health professionals who are interested in enrolling in the program. Jess Danko, MS, RRT, LTC-CIP, program director at theContinueContinue reading “Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program 2024 Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals”
Filling the Cup of New Moms by Promoting Self Care
Emily Carlson, BSN, RN, is a mother of four and works full-time for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) as a Bright Start home visiting nurse. She divides her time caring for her family and providing personalized nursing care to the first-time mothers enrolled in Bright Start. Balancing work and life can beContinueContinue reading “Filling the Cup of New Moms by Promoting Self Care “
Board of Dentistry Approves Project Firstline Infection Prevention Training
South Dakota Project Firstline (SD PFL) infection prevention training has been approved by the South Dakota Board of Dentistry for continuing education credit (CEC) for dental hygienist licensing. Using the free online trainings, dental hygienists can stay up to date on infection control practices and reduce the risk of infection for themselves and their patients. ContinueContinue reading “Board of Dentistry Approves Project Firstline Infection Prevention Training”
MED Feature: Project Firstline Celebrates Nurses Week
National Nurses Week, May 6-12, recognizes nurses for their service and dedication to caring for others and improving the health of patients. This year’s theme “Nurses Make the Difference” works to honor exceptional nurses that embody both compassion and care in the healthcare setting. Nurses provide care through every stage of life and work withContinueContinue reading “MED Feature: Project Firstline Celebrates Nurses Week”