Western Wisconsin EMS News

More than 20 St. Croix EMS emergency medical technicians could lose their jobs if the city of Hudson decides to transfer the service to the Hudson Hospital and HealthPartners.  City commissioners emphasized negotiations are still ongoing and no decision has been made.

Lakeview Vice President of Ancillary Services Nathan Pulscher, one of HealthPartners’ representatives at the meeting, said the Hudson Hospital would use the two-paramedic model that other HealthPartners organizations do, as it has found the model to be successful. Under this model, Hudson Hospital would offer all current St. Croix EMS paramedics employment, but the model has no role for current EMTs.

St. Croix EMS employs 24 EMTs and 12 paramedics, though some employees in both positions already work for HealthPartners as well.

Pulscher said HealthPartners and Hudson Hospital would be willing to talk about supporting current EMTs in being trained as paramedics.

Currently the hospital and city have not landed on an answer for who will serve as first responders to the community if the transfer is approved.

Council Member Tom McCormick said the city is dedicated to public safety in the community. Services would still be based in Hudson.

“We want to have a successful EMS system,” McCormick said.

McCormick said the city has approved retention bonuses for most EMS staff that would provide incentive for workers to stay on and ensure the service can continue to operate up until the transfer point, if the transfer is approved.

Source: Hudson Star-Observer