Resignations could jeopardize the city of Montana's ambulance service

FORT BENTON — Amber Jenson’s calling in life is to help others.

“EMS has been my passion since I started working,” Jenson said. She manages Geraldine’s ambulance service and Fort Benton’s Memorial Ambulance. That will change on November 11.

“We’ve had some recent board changes,” Jenson said, “and we’ve had some appointments for some new board members. I would say probably at least the last six months.”

Jenson believes the new board members are encroaching on her role, making it more difficult for her to lead effectively.

“Basically my role is fulfilled by a board, rather than being able to provide effective leadership,” Jenson said.

Jenson is not alone in her feelings. Since announcing her resignation on Oct. 14, nine more people have resigned, leaving just a handful of people at Memorial Ambulance.

“Unfortunately, we still need people to take care of people,” Jenson said.

There was tension at a recent Fort Benton Memorial Ambulance meeting as the group planned what to do after a slew of layoffs.

During the meeting, the board discussed the recent resignations and is trying to focus on moving forward.

Board members Kevin Kittredge and Kim Pimperton declined an on-camera interview but provided a written statement saying:

Fort Benton Memorial Ambulance’s mission is to provide high-quality, efficient pre-hospital patient care; as well as assessing and meeting community needs for comprehensive emergency medical services.

We appreciate the excellent patient care work Amber Hurt has provided during her tenure with us. We wish her all the best in her new future endeavors.

While the details of emergency medical care for patients have changed dramatically with all the new developments in medicine, the basic needs of the community have not. To achieve the mission of Fort Benton Memorial Ambulance, the Ambulance Board of Directors initiates plans to move forward.

It is important to remember that emergency medical services are only one part of a comprehensive emergency response system. We are all part of a team that has always had a place in Chouteau County. The team consists of EMS, hospital (including doctors, nurses and other personnel), law enforcement (including 911 Dispatch), fire, search and rescue and the public. Our goal is to ensure the coherence of the emergency response system, and it is the responsibility of the board to address any concerns within the system and the public.

With the ever-present major problem of volunteers getting the necessary training to man the ambulances, this will be the first area of focus for the board. The Memorial Ambulance Board plans to make active efforts to strengthen relationships and communications with all team members to continue to meet our Mission Statement.

Memorial Ambulance said people in Chouteau County will continue to receive help.

They’ll bring in more people in the meantime until they can figure out a more permanent solution.