FRIENDSHIP, Wis. — A county ambulance service has been suspended while it undergoes a state investigation regarding safety violations, lack of mutual aid agreements and no DEA certification to operate.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed they are investigating Adams County Emergency Services, a private ambulance company that contracts with eight municipalities in the county, reported Channel 3000.
“This decision was made to protect the health and safety of those in the Adams County area,” DHS Communications Director Julie Lund said in a statement.
A letter issued Friday by Wisconsin EMS section Director James Newlun said two of three ambulances had no DEA certification to operate, safety violations and no mutual aid agreements with other agencies.
“We were kind of blindsided by it too,” Adams County Sheriff Sam Wollin said. “We were notified of it and were told not to use them and make other arrangements.”
Ambulance services from surrounding counties have stepped in to help cover calls while the county adjusts.
“There was no gap in coverage,” Baraboo Ambulance paramedic Rick Sherman said. “We provided paramedic-level coverage the whole time.”
Baraboo ambulance has set up a makeshift location next to a local hospital and is responding to calls within the county until May 27. Baraboo Ambulance and Adams County officials plan to meet in the coming week to discuss future arrangements.
“It is difficult because obviously those ambulance services have their own communities and they’re providing services for and staffing and equipment,” Wollin said. “With any emergency service we come together in a time of crisis and work together.”