Shout Out to Rural EMS Services Everywhere
Farm Safety Before 9-1-1
“When you're missing a finger, you didn't stop at the front desk to check in (at the hospital). I just walked right past that desk and went to the back trying to find a doctor or a nurse.”
John Peace II visited with The Neighborly editor, Sara June, to reflect on life in rural areas before 911 emergency response systems, the rise of volunteer EMS (Emergency Medical Services), and funding gaps for rural emergency services today. The two agree that there's a need for stronger state support and funding streams for volunteer responders. Join their conversation below on YouTube (link at bottom) as they look back at ways that 911 and EMS made life-saving improvements for rural America.
John Peace, founder of the Rural Route Newsletter from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, discusses firsthand experiences with farm accidents and the evolution from rural route addresses to 911-compatible, fast location mapping. He dives into the operational and funding realities behind rural EMS and dispatch centers. With his background serving on county boards, John advocates for funding hospitals in rural regions and steering more resources toward volunteer emergency responder teams.
In their conversation, Sara June and John talk about the historical context of 911 - from Haleyville, Alabama in 1968 to FCC national backing in 1999. They contrast rural and urban emergency responses and raise concerns about critical funding, including deficits and the cost of communications equipment. 911 centers in rural areas are often located within sheriff’s departments and paid for with small phone surcharges. Simultaneously, volunteer EMS remain under-resourced. John points to upcoming cuts to Medicaid/Medicare and insurance reimbursements that could severely undermine volunteer EMS sustainability.
With current deficits and rejected surcharges, how can rural EMS and 911 be sustained? Sara June points to an example in an Iowa county that is facing a budget shortfall of around $200,000 in years ahead. Emergency equipment is expensive and maintaining compliance with the FCC requires regular updates to keep equipment current with the latest technology. The purchase of a new radio can cost around $70,000.
Listen to Sara June and John Peace's conversation and help support rural, independent journalism by subscribing for free to the Rural Route's Country Mile channel and The Neighborly. Help us keep our news free: buy advertising space or make a donation through our fiscal sponsor – ask us how!
CLARIFICATION: Sara June describes a car accident in Burke County, North Carolina. The event happened south of Morganton - not "Morgan Town".
