Founded in 1966, Cumberland Healthcare is the emergency medical services provider for the Cumberland area. Our dedicated team serves a large geographical area spread over four different counties, including Barron County encompassing the city of Cumberland, the Village of Turtle Lake, the Village of Almena, Townships of Almena, Crystal Lake, Cumberland, Lakeland, and Maple Plain; Polk County Townships of Beaver, Johnstown, and McKinley; Burnett County Township of Roosevelt, and Washburn County Township of Barronett.

Cumberland EMS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing advanced life support services with a team of skilled professionals. Our team includes Advanced and Basic EMTs, Some of which hold multiple licenses as paramedics, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, firefighters, and certified instructors. With a commitment to excellence, our team is trained to handle any medical emergency with expertise and compassion.

At Cumberland Healthcare EMS, we prioritize collaboration and partnership with our local first responders. We work closely with air medical transports, multiple fire departments, police departments, and sheriff’s offices to ensure a seamless and coordinated response to emergencies. By fostering strong relationships with these essential community partners, we are able to provide the highest level of care and support to those in need. 

In addition to emergency 911 response and inter-facility transport, Cumberland Healthcare EMS offers standby services at community events. Whether it’s school activities, tractor pulls, or outdoor concerts, our team is there to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. We also prioritize community education by offering CPR and first aid training to empower individuals with life-saving skills.

Our mission is to provide high-quality emergency medical services to the communities we serve. With a focus on excellence, compassion, and community engagement, we are dedicated to keeping our residents safe and healthy.

EMS Oath

“Be it pledged as an Emergency Medical Technician, I will honor the physical and judicial laws of God and man. I will follow that regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of patients and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, nor shall I suggest any such counsel.

 Into whatever homes I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of only the sick and injured, never revealing what I see or hear in the lives of men unless required by law. I shall also share my medical knowledge with those who may benefit from what I have learned.

 I will serve unselfishly and continuously in order to help make a better world for all mankind. While I continue to keep this oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life, and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times. Should I trespass or violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot. So help me God.” Written by: Charles B. Gillespie, M.D. Adopted by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians 1978

Services Provided by EMS

1. Emergency Response: EMS personnel respond to 911 calls for medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, accidents, and traumatic injuries. They assess the patient’s condition, provide initial medical treatment, and decide on the best course of action.

2. Medical Assessment and Treatment: EMS professionals are trained to perform a wide range of medical interventions in the field, including administering CPR, managing airways, controlling bleeding, and providing medications.

3. Transportation: EMS teams transport patients to hospitals or other medical facilities where they can receive further treatment. They ensure that patients are transferred safely and quickly, often coordinating with hospital staff to prepare for incoming patients. This usually happens by ground transport by ambulance, but in critical incidents, aeromedical (helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft) are utilized for rapid transport to specialized facilities based on the patient’s condition.

4. Interfacility Transfers: In addition to emergency response, EMS also facilitates transfers between medical facilities when patients require specialized care not available at their current location. This also can utilize aeromedical transports in times of need.

5. Community Education: Many EMS organizations also engage in community outreach and education programs, teaching CPR, first aid, and other life-saving skills to the public.

Importance of EMS in Community Health

EMS plays a crucial role in improving community health and reducing mortality rates by:

• Rapid Response: Promptly responding to emergencies, which can significantly improve outcomes for patients experiencing critical conditions.

• Skillful Interventions: Providing skilled medical interventions at the scene of emergencies, often stabilizing patients before they reach the hospital.

• Coordination with Hospitals: Collaborating closely with hospital teams to ensure seamless patient care transitions.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a cornerstone of public health and safety. They provide critical care during emergencies, and their swift response and expert medical interventions save countless lives every day. Understanding and supporting EMS is essential for building resilient and healthier communities.

For more information about Cumberland Healthcare Emergency Medical Services, contact the Director of Emergency Medical Services at  715-822-7492.