Winnebago Becomes 1st Tribal Ambulance Service to Receive Advanced Service Licensure in Nebraska

June 15, 2021

Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Public Health Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division, led by Medical Service Director Cindy Aldrich with the support of Physician Medical Director, Joseph Nicolas, M.D., has achieved their EMS license for ALS Ambulance Services. Winnebago EMS continues to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) services, but now are able to transport patients in need of advanced care. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is the first Tribe in Nebraska to obtain an Advanced Life Support Service License. For patients, this expansion of services is critical to providing emergency care on the Winnebago Reservation.

“Many times, we watched our patients being transported by other services. We are honored to provide emergency care on the Winnebago Reservation and now are able to fill a gap that existed in our healthcare system. Our dedicated and experienced team knows that this is only the beginning,” said Aldrich.

Winnebago EMS will now be able to provide transport for patients in need of a higher level of care. This includes patients that may need additional medical interventions like advanced airway support, tracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring (electrocardiography), intravenous (IV) therapy, administration of IV medications, and more.

The Winnebago service is currently staffed with three EMS Drivers, seven Emergency Medical Technicians with advanced training, one Paramedic, one Registered Nurse, and plans to hire additional Advanced Providers.

“We hope that our little ones and our youth also aspire to choose EMS careers, to become future EMT's and Paramedics for Winnebago,” said Aldrich.

Winnebago EMS was formerly known as Winnebago Tribal Rescue and Ambulance Service and hopes to provide Critical Care Transport and Community Paramedicine in the future.