Debate Continues over Permanent Home for New Chickasaw County Ambulance Service

Debate continues over a permanent home for the ambulances of the new Chickasaw County EMS department.

During the regular meeting Monday, the Board of Supervisors heard from EMS Director Joel Knutson, who noted that, with 67% of all calls coming from New Hampton, the Community Services Building near downtown New Hampton would serve as the best centralized location for long-term success.

To make the Community Services Building the EMS home, it would require adding to its space for at least $350,000, which could possibly be raised through donations.

That’s Supervisor Scott Cerwinske, himself a proponent of utilizing the Heritage Property just south of New Hampton because it’s closer to highways and appears would make it easier to service areas outside of New Hampton.

Knutson has previously told the Board computer models show that having the ambulances based in New Hampton provides optimal service.

Aaron Flugum, CEO of MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center, encouraged Supervisors to trust their departmental leaders and not make it harder to do their jobs.

Flugum also echoed Knutson’s previous concerns that some workers may not stay with the service if EMS is placed at the Heritage Property due to the distance to get there. It would also add to response time.

No decision was made by Supervisors.

Currently, the County’s two ambulances are housed in the garages of the former fire station next to the New Hampton Police Department.