Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

The Lifeline Of A Small Town:

EMT Volunteers

Life in a small town has its benefits. Generally, it is quieter and more comfortable than the hustle and bustle of urban or suburban life. This is why I call it home.

But the peace and simplicity of rural living come with trade-offs. We often lack immediate access to conveniences like shopping malls, car dealerships or rideshare services. Need an Uber at 2 a.m.? Good luck. We accept these limitations as part of a tranquil, rural life.

However, there are some things no community, big or small, may find difficult to live without.

Emergency Services:

A Vital Necessity

In larger cities and suburbs, it is easy to assume that when things go badly, there are people whose job is to respond to those emergencies. It is expected that trained professionals will respond quickly in emergencies.

Full-time firefighters and ambulance personnel are available because of the high population and call volume. But in rural areas like ours, the reality is different.

Here, we rely on volunteer emergency services—volunteer EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and volunteer firefighters—community members who answer the call during unpredictable and often frightening moments.

These are not just services; they are lifelines, made possible only because of the people who are willing to serve their communities. But for how long?

This system depends on participation. And lately, that is in a very concerning short supply.

The Need For Volunteers

Our local, small-town ambulance services—like Bertha Ambulance and Browerville Ambulance—need more volunteers to continue operating. Without them, how long would it take for help to arrive?

Emergency response times could stretch dangerously long. In moments when every second counts, that is a risk no one should have to face.

If you live within the response area, please consider stepping up. The training you receive as a volunteer EMT does not just prepare you to serve during your scheduled shift—it can help you save a life at work, at a family gathering or anywhere you might be needed. The skills are practical, powerful, and lasting.

Helping someone during one of the worst moments of their life can be incredibly rewarding. It is fulfilling beyond words—and made possible by the training and support of our local ambulance service.

Your Community Needs You

Volunteer emergency services are not just about emergencies—they are about neighbors helping neighbors, about being there when it matters most.

If you have ever considered how you could give back to your community in a meaningful way, this is it.

Patrick J. Sutlief

Browerville