Open house for Bertha Ambulanceservice to be held on January 5
The Bertha Ambulance Service is hosting an open house on Wednesday, January 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bertha Community Center located at 127 2nd Ave. NW, downtown Bertha.
The open house is to help recruit Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
Did you know the Bertha Ambulance Service covers the cities of Eagle Bend, Bertha and Hewitt as well as surrounding townships in northern Todd County?
“We average close to 200 to 225 calls per year. The ambulance is operated by the city of Bertha. There’s a stipend and a retirement offered by the state of Minnesota,” explained Russ VanDenheuvel, longtime Bertha Ambulance EMT and Bertha Ambulance chief.
He said the service is in dire need of EMTs to fill their roster and schedule crews to respond to emergency calls.
“With retirements and the already low number of EMTs, it has been difficult for some time now. If we don’t get more help, we may be forced to close our ambulance service,” said VanDenheuvel, adding, “If that were to happen, you might have to wait an extra 20 minutes for another ambulance to arrive—possibly could even cost some lives.”
To help increase the number of EMTs, there will be an EMT class offered in Bertha in mid-to-late January if enough people are interested. The city of Bertha will pay for the classes.
“Everyone is affected by health and safety, and you never know when it might be you that needs an ambulance. So please consider this opportunity to help your community. There are so many rewards knowing you have helped someone when they truly needed care,” said VanDenheuvel.
If you’re interested, please contact any Bertha Ambulance member or call Russ VanDenheuvel at 218-371-5033 or russ56437@yahoo.com.