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Iowa ambulance co. so understaffed it can’t transport patients to hospital

Volunteer EMT’s are still able to respond to emergencies, but the company may fold

KCAUTV.com

MERRILL, Iowa — When you’re in need of emergency care, you want assistance and transport as soon as possible, but one Siouxland town is struggling when it comes to its ambulance service.

They’re ready and waiting to help the people of Merrill, Iowa when they’re in need. But the volunteer EMT’s at Merrill Ambulance are lacking in numbers, with just 4 full-time EMTs on staff every week. That’s not very comforting for those they serve.

“It is scary, it’s very scary. Particularly because we have a lot of older people also in town. So yes, it is very scary,” said Patricia Parker of Merrill, IA. So with four EMTs, the Merrill Ambulance crew acts solely as a first responder. They’re able to respond to an emergency but cannot transport patients.

Full story: Merrill Ambulance Understaffed, In Danger Of Closing

News, Weather and Sports for Sioux City, IA: KCAU-TV.com