ST. PAUL, MN—State Representative Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, and members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force visited Washington D.C. last week to meet with Congressional, White House, and Federal Transportation Department officials about improving access to EMS in rural areas of the state and to seek federal dollars to help address funding gaps for local service providers.
“It was an honor to visit Washington and to advocate on behalf of Minnesotans living in rural Minnesota,” said Backer. “As a volunteer EMT, I was able to share my unique perspective and understanding of the challenges facing EMS providers in our area and across greater Minnesota. I am hopeful that these conversations will continue to drive action and produce additional aid from our federal partners as we continue our work to make sure that everyone in Minnesota has access to prompt and professional emergency services when they dial 911.”
During the visit, Backer highlighted the importance of utilizing telemedicine in rural areas, particularly at the location of an emergency. Currently, the Browns Valley Ambulance Service, and many other rural providers, utilize telehealth for critical calls. Backer is aiming to broaden its application to encompass cases that can be addressed on the spot instead of always transporting patients for example when providing care for patients facing a mental health crisis.
Pictured left to right outside the West Wing of the White House, Rep. Jeff Brand, Rep. Dave Lislegard, Sen. Rob Kupec, Rep. Jeff Backer, Shane Hallow, President of Hennepin County Association of Paramedics
Backer also discussed Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements for treatment—advocating for the importance of exploring how ambulance services can receive reimbursements for calls when the patient is not transported
Rep. Backer is a volunteer EMT and has served with the Browns Valley Ambulance Service since 1995. His experience allowed him to play a key role in negotiations of a funding package that was approved earlier this year that sent $30 million in aid to rural EMS including more than $4 million for West Central Minnesota. An additional $6 million was dedicated to sprint medic pilot program for Otter Tail, Grant and St. Louis counties.
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