EMS Heroes
- Faith Ambulance: Saving Lives and Caring for Friends The Faith EMS team shows up to care for their friends and neighbors. Their EMS training and dedication is saving lives. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Wade Derflinger – Faith, SD “Twice they have saved my life,” shared Wade Deflinger. “Kris Escott and her team out here in Faith areContinue reading “Faith Ambulance: Saving Lives and Caring for Friends “
- Scotland Ambulance: Close-Knit Town Thankful for Heart and Dedication of EMS Team The ambulance crew in Scotland, SD, embodies the very best of rural emergency care. They are recognized as an EMS team that leads with skill, heart, and unwavering dedication to their community. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Becky Evans – Scotland, SD The ambulance crew in Scotland, SD, embodies the very bestContinue reading “Scotland Ambulance: Close-Knit Town Thankful for Heart and Dedication of EMS Team “
- Denise Gertsman: Backbone of Beresford Community AmbulanceDenise Gertsman has spent decades caring for the people in Beresford. As a trusted partner and EMS role model, she continues to strengthen and inspire the community. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Eli Seeley – Beresford, SD For nearly 28 years, Denise Gerstman has been the unwavering backbone ofContinue reading “Denise Gertsman: Backbone of Beresford Community Ambulance”
- Chuck Hanson: A Lifetime of EMS Impact and Leadership Chuck Hanson’s impact on EMS spans decades. He has saved lives of patients and touched the lives of countless EMS team members and health care professionals. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Haden Merkel – Mobridge, SD For decades, Chuck has been a steady and trusted presence in emergency medical services in ourContinue reading “Chuck Hanson: A Lifetime of EMS Impact and Leadership “
- Mobridge EMS: Showing Up Even During the HolidaysTake time to recognize and thank your local fire and ambulance crew for their dedication to the community. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Teresa Dame – Mobridge, SD Mobridge Fire and Rescue along with Mobridge Regional Hospital Ambulance service were the ones who responded to a medical emergency atContinue reading “Mobridge EMS: Showing Up Even During the Holidays”
- Ashia Starks: Building the Future EMS WorkforceAshia 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,Continue reading “Ashia Starks: Building the Future EMS Workforce”
- Kate Roessler: Leading with Energy and CollaborationKate 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,Continue reading “Kate Roessler: Leading with Energy and Collaboration”
- Holly Spencer: Genuine Care for Each EMS PatientHolly 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 fourContinue reading “Holly Spencer: Genuine Care for Each EMS Patient”
EMS Highlights
- Grandson’s Actions and EMS Response Save Rancher’s LifeAn unexpected turn while branding heifers left a Herreid rancher bleeding and numb. His grandson’s actions to stop the bleed and the quick response from EMS saved his life. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Dale Alfred Deibert – Herreid, SD The day of my accident was June 1, 2025.Continue reading “Grandson’s Actions and EMS Response Save Rancher’s Life”
- EMS Call Leads to Proper Treatment and Recovery She had a sneezing episode and passed out. Her original plan was to lay down and take a nap. Thankfully, she called EMS and was treated immediately for a severe concussion. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Kathy Nelson – Timber Lake, SD In October 2021, I was sitting at my deskContinue reading “EMS Call Leads to Proper Treatment and Recovery “
- Traumatic Accident Requires EMS TeamworkA traumatic motor vehicle accident required the teamwork of the sheriff, EMS team, and rescue squad to save both life and limb. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Vanessa Batie – Sisseton, SD My partner and I were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident that involved major trauma to theContinue reading “Traumatic Accident Requires EMS Teamwork”
- Rural Volunteer EMS was His Only Chance for SurvivalEven before the ambulance arrived, a volunteer EMT was on the scene providing life-saving care. The rural volunteer ambulance crew was his only chance for survival. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Chuck Hanson – Selby, SD My daughter-in-law called at about 6:45 am on March 12, 2013, to tellContinue reading “Rural Volunteer EMS was His Only Chance for Survival”
- Collision with Deer Hits Home for Selby EMS CrewHe woke up laying on his back with everyone screaming. The EMS team’s quick response and calming presence saved his life. #EMSHeroesHighlights #RuralEMS #FirstResponders #EMSSavesLives Submitted by: Loren Moak – Selby, SD That night in June 2009 Loren Moak, an EMR from Selby, was riding his motorcycle home from anContinue reading “Collision with Deer Hits Home for Selby EMS Crew”
- Advanced Support Arrives Too LateOn 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 ofContinue reading “Advanced Support Arrives Too Late”