By MaryHelen Swanson

Lakes Region EMS executive director Aarron Reinert gave an update to the North Branch City Council Monday, May 29, noting that as in the past, the organization's greatest threat is the difference between what Medicare reimburses and what Lakes Region EMS needs to charge.

Lakes Region EMS is a first responder, ambulance service serving all of Chisago County.

Reinert reminded the council that they run 24 hours a day and that the call volume continues to increase. On average there are 12-15 calls per day. There are 40 employees.

He noted that they are a leader in pre-hospital care, and have made changes in cardiac care that brings life-saving procedures right to peoples' homes.

He also noted that the organization continues to increase the number of AEDs in the community, and that they can obtain much useful information from the defibrillators to help the department see how they are doing.

Reinert said new technology helps them save money, also.

He also told the council that Lakes Region EMS responded to Hurricane Rita and brought back useful information that will help in the event of a local disaster.

Reinert said the city should be proud of its police department, which responds to every call the ambulance does.

Mayor Gloria Karsky asked about CPR training and Reinert said every month a public class is available and that business, community organizations, etc., can call and set up a class (at least 7 people). Call (651) 277-4911 if interested in setting up a CPR class.