The Montana EMS Alliance is calling for concerned citizens like you to join our critical campaign. Declining volunteer workforce due to the “Graying of EMS,” changes in household incomes (both parents having to work) and a general attrition of EMTs whose career expectancy is about 3 years, is creating deficiencies approaching crisis in some rural areas. James T. Laidlaw IV, BS, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P What is a hero? 
A Call to Action to fellow EMTs & Citizens
The EMS Alliance is a grassroots organization of EMTs, the American Heart Association and other interested parties working to improve EMS statewide, but especially in rural Montana. There are no dues or fees to join.
This web site, montanaheroes.org, is one way we are organizing ourselves and focusing our voice so we may clearly communicate our concerns to those who can help, including our elected legislators in Helena who work for us. Although this web site is in its infancy, you can expect the content to grow with our movement.
So, please check back often for which will include a bulletin board coming soon where other EMTs can share their experience and connect with others. Until then, I hope that you will take a quick moment and join our campaign!
EMS Chief, Glacier County EMS
Chair, Montana EMS Alliance
Webster's dictionary defines a hero as "a person admired for his or her acheivements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage."
• A person who revives a drowning victim?
• An individual who prevents a person from freezing to death upon trapped in a winter storm?
• A volunteer who administers care to a child critically injured in an auto accident?
By definition, we believe all of these individuals are heroes. These heroes are our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends and family members who serve as volunteer EMTs in our Montana communities.
MEMSA Working with EMS Alliance
The Montana EMS Association (MEMSA) is proud to partner with the Montana EMS Alliance and the American Heart Association in their efforts to effect positive change and improvement in the way EMS is delivered in our state.
Since its inception in 1979, MEMSA has represented the concerns of Montana EMTs by maintaining a presence on state boards and committees. Including the State Trauma Care Committee and the 911 Advisory Board, promoting legislation favorable to Montana EMS.
MEMSA is dedicated to promoting excellence in Emergency Medical Services and supporting Montana EMS services and EMT personnel, whether volunteer or paid, BLS or ALS. Public awareness of EMS and support of positive legislative action is one of the cornerstones of MEMSA. Our State Legislators need to know there are EMS heroes throughout the state that respond to the medical emergencies and medical transport needs of their families and their communities.
We recognize that EMS services in Montana are under duress. Volunteer services are struggling to recruit and retain members. Inadequate Medicare reimbursement is stressing volunteer and paid services alike. Funding and training issues are a constant challenge.
MEMSA has always strived to make our State Legislature aware and supportive of Emergency Medical Services. However, your individual contact with your state law-makers is the most effective way to make known the service your EMS squad brings to your community and the hurdles you face in providing this essential service.
We encourage you to educate yourself on current EMS-related legislation by following the links on this page, and then make your voice heard by personally contacting your local representative and senator. For logistical assistance with this, don’t hesitate to contact us at MEMSA-Vitals.org.
We also encourage you to explore the MONTANAHEROES.org website and join the campaign!
Justin Grohs, EMT-P
President
Montana EMS Association
