SOUTH DAKOTA – South Dakota lawmakers are looking at new ways to strengthen emergency medical services in rural communities as ambulance providers continue to face staffing and funding challenges.
State health officials told a legislative task force this week that greater regional cooperation between neighboring EMS agencies could help improve response times, share resources, and reduce administrative burdens.
The Department of Health is proposing regional EMS hubs supported in part by federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Officials say the approach could help agencies share staff, training, equipment, and leadership development.
Supporters point to successful partnerships already operating in northeastern South Dakota, where multiple counties collaborate to provide faster emergency response across large rural areas.
Lawmakers say one of the biggest challenges will be finding long-term funding once federal dollars run out. The task force plans to meet again this fall and hopes to present proposals for the 2027 legislative session.
