Montana State University announced on Mar. 12 the launch of new resources aimed at supporting emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas, addressing longstanding funding and staffing challenges that have affected Montana and other states. The initiative, developed in partnership with the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, includes online training modules tailored to the needs of EMS leaders in remote communities.
The effort comes as many EMS agencies face shortages due to an aging volunteer workforce and increasing demand for emergency services. According to a federal government analysis cited by the university, these issues are particularly acute in rural regions where volunteers often drive long distances to respond to calls.
The Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center at MSU has led the creation of these trainings through a project called the “Montana Frontier EMS Leadership Academy.” The program is funded by a five-year federal award from the Health Resources and Services Administration, providing $250,000 annually. Six towns—Lewistown, Ennis, Fort Benton, Hamilton, Glendive, and Thompson Falls—are participating in the pilot phase.
“Our work seeks to address a critical staffing shortage of emergency medical services, which is a challenge across the U.S. but is felt acutely in rural and frontier areas,” said Kailyn Mock, director of MORH/AHEC at MSU. “Unfortunately, many EMS services are just one or two EMT retirements away from being unable to respond to 911 calls. It is imperative to help our current EMS leaders recruit the next generation of people who are going to pick up the phone and come help in an emergency event.”
Training topics were selected based on requests from participants and include recruitment strategies, retention techniques, mentorship approaches, leadership styles, digital tools use, and social media engagement. Nearly 20 people have completed the training so far. Shari Graham, EMS system manager for Montana DPHHS said: “Emergency medical services in Montana face many challenges, from a dwindling workforce for both volunteer and career agencies, increasing emergency call volume, and increasing public expectations… The Montana Frontier EMS Leadership academy addresses these and many other challenges and serves as a critical resource for the development of current and future EMS leaders.”
Participants like Mary Jo Gehnert from Glendive Ambulance Service reported that modules helped her improve communication with volunteers while also offering practical advice on community outreach through social media. James McBirnie from Madison Valley Emergency Medical Services noted that mentorship skills gained through training support staff retention amid geographic barriers and housing shortages.
Montana State University leads research funding efforts within the state with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university contributes broadly through volunteerism as well as outreach initiatives designed to enhance lives statewide according to its official website. MSU ranks among the top five percent of global universities per international rankings according to its official website.
With approximately 17,165 students enrolled—split evenly between residents and nonresidents—MSU operates as Montana’s land-grant institution focused on research-driven solutions for key challenges according to its official website. Its influence extends beyond state borders through academic programs set amid Bozeman’s wilderness landscape according to its official website.
Looking ahead, project leaders hope additional funding will allow further expansion of these resources after initial federal support ends. As McBirnie said: “It can feel like an uphill battle… The need for emergency services in Montana is only growing, and investing in the development of our future EMS leaders is how we will meet that demand.”
More information about available trainings can be found at healthinfo.montana.edu/ems/leadership.html.