The Wishek Ambulance Service is facing a numbers crunch and is hoping to recruit new members.
 
At least 17 ambulance services in North Dakota are expected to shut down this year — the most ever in a single year.
 
"There is a grim outlook for emergency medical services in our state and Wishek is no exception," says Jo Vilhauer, the local squad leader.
 
"Our current active roster has the lowest numbers since the Wishek Ambulance Service was established in 1973."
 
Vilhauer says there are many days when Wishek must rely on other area squads to make hospital-to-hospital transfers, due to a lack of available staff members.
 
"This not a scare tactic — it's the hard, sad fact," Vilhauer says. "Without more human resources, Wishek soon may be without an ambulance service.
 
The Wishek Ambulance Service desperately needs volunteers in all capacities — drivers, first responders and Emergency Medical Technicians.
 
Individuals who may be interested should contact Vilhauer or paramedic Felicia Sampson for more information by calling Wishek Hospital and Clinics at 452-2326.