Telehealth is going mobile in the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota.
Federal funding is making it possible to install telehealth communication systems in 109 ambulances operated by 54 Emergency Medical Service systems serving 27 hospitals.
Each ambulance will be connected to an “hub” in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, a team of board-certified emergency physicians, experienced paramedics, and nurses will be in virtual contact with the ambulance crews during emergency calls.
Simultaneously, the local hospital’s health care team and emergency room are connected as well.
“A major milestone,” is how Ann Jenson, executive director of the described the arrival of mobile telehealth to the region. Jenson was joined by representatives of state transportation and public safety services, the, Avel eCare, and health care staff with the in Dawson for a ceremonial ribbon cutting on May 27.
Some details…
A $9.9 million grant that was part of the $1 billion Biden-Harris Administration’s bipartisan infrastructure law is making the telehealth system possible. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar helped secure the release of the funding, and sent a letter to participants at the ribbon cutting applauding what she described as an innovative project.
The University of Minnesota will be assessing the new system during the upcoming years to determine its life-saving value and long-term sustainability.
The grant will provide funding for five years. The long-term hope is to find on-going funding to sustain it, according to Becky Vande Kieft, vice president and general manager of emergency services at Avel eCare.