Sturgis, S.D. – The Sturgis Ambulance Service announced a proposed staffing change aimed at preserving round‑the‑clock emergency coverage while trimming overtime and labor costs. The plan would keep two ambulances on the road at all times, a priority the service says aligns with its commitment to quality care and dependable response.
Proposed staffing structure
Under the proposal, the service would continue operating two ambulances 24 hours a day. During regular business hours, three employees would staff the ambulances, with Ambulance Director Bryson Kool serving as a fourth crew member on each shift. The current staffing model mixes two full‑time and two part‑time workers; the new arrangement would retain that mix but shift duties to reduce overtime.
After hours, the plan calls for two full‑time and two part‑time employees to cover calls, with one part‑time employee placed on call rather than on duty. Director Kool noted that the service has used a similar approach in previous years and that it “seems to work well.”
City officials support cost‑effective coverage
City officials echoed the service’s emphasis on reliability, stating the goal is to keep emergency coverage dependable for both Sturgis residents and the broader Meade County area while curbing staffing and overtime expenses. “We want to ensure that our citizens have access to prompt, high‑quality emergency care without burdening the city’s budget,” a city spokesperson said.
Balancing quality and fiscal responsibility
The proposal reflects a broader effort by local government and service providers to balance essential public‑safety functions with responsible budgeting. By maintaining two ambulances at all times, the service aims to avoid gaps in coverage that could endanger lives, while the adjusted staffing model seeks to eliminate unnecessary overtime costs.
Community members who rely on the ambulance service have expressed confidence in the plan’s focus on continuity of care. “Knowing there will always be two ambulances ready to respond gives us peace of mind,” said a longtime Sturgis resident.
Next steps
The Sturgis Ambulance Service will present the staffing proposal to the city council for review. If approved, the new schedule could be implemented as early as the start of the next fiscal year, pending any adjustments based on feedback from staff and the public.
Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the upcoming council meeting to voice support or concerns. The service remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to monitor response times and cost savings as the plan moves forward.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
