Dahl Memorial Ambulance and EMS Service: 2024 a year of milestones

Press Release submitted by Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association

Every year, starting in the first week of August, thousands of people converge on Sturgis, South Dakota, for the famed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This ten-day event attracts visitors from far and wide, and one of the highlights is "Topless Tuesday," which took place on Tuesday, August 6th. During this event, the small town of Alzada sees its population swell to one of the largest in the state. To meet the increased demand, personnel from various organizations collaborate closely to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees.

This year marked a significant milestone for Dahl Memorial Hospital, as they were able to staff an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance for the first time at the event. Paramedic Rebekah Hopkins and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Jenna Bruce were dispatched to Alzada with an ambulance to provide medical assistance. Their presence proved invaluable when an attendee required urgent medical attention.

Thanks to meticulous preplanning and the seamless coordination between multiple organizations, the EMS team quickly assessed and treated the individual. Paramedic Hopkins identified the need for advanced care due to a potential cardiac complication. Acting swiftly, she activated a helicopter through her chain of command. With the support of EMT Jenna Bruce and Dale Butori from Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, the patient was transported to a rendezvous point with the helicopter flight crew. The collaboration between all agencies involved ensured the patient received prompt and effective care.

In another highlight for the Dahl Memorial Ambulance Service, every two years, ambulances in Montana undergo inspections by an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Licensing Specialist to verify compliance with state guidelines and operational standards. Over the past six months, Assistant Emergency Medical Services Director and Paramedic Travis Doggett has worked tirelessly to enhance the services Dahl Memorial Ambulance provides to the community.

On August 14th, an EMS Licensing Specialist visited Ekalaka to inspect the ambulance and equipment. The inspection results were outstanding, with Dahl Memorial Ambulance Service exceeding expectations in many areas, even surpassing the capabilities of larger agencies in Montana. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the team, and it signals a bright future for emergency medical services in the community.

"We will continue to work hard so that Dahl Memorial Ambulance becomes a leader in frontier emergency medicine," said a spokesperson from Dahl Memorial.

Dahl Memorial Ambulance Service remains committed to collaborating with the State of Montana and other agencies to further enhance emergency medical services for the community.

Our best,

Darrell Messersmith, CEO and Travis Doggett, EMT-P, RRS