EMS Week: Meet the board members of CASNR

Amy Bachmeier

Years in EMS: 7 years

Years with CASNR: 7 years

Years on CASNR board: 6 years

Current Board Position: Secretary

Why did you become involved in EMS?

I was new to the community and I wanted to be more involved and I have always been interested in EMS.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

Joining CASNR is a great way to make a difference in the community.

Tanya Munson

Years in EMS: On and off since 1995

Years with CASNR: 5 years

Years on CASNR Board: 2 years.

Current Board position: Director

Why did you become involved in EMS?

I first started in EMS as a young person who was curious to see what being on the Ambulance was all about. Through that, I found out how much I liked just being there to help people in their time of need. Sometimes it is just a hand to hold and someone to talk to.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

I think a lot of people think of EMS and medical emergencies and think "I can't do that." People worry that they are not able to provide any medical care. I would like people to know that they may be surprised at what we really do. I would challenge anyone who may be curious to come and talk to an EMT and find out what we do. Hear how we are constantly training so that we can do what we do. Hear how we work as a team so you don't feel alone. Let us tell you about how we support each other and encourage each other so that we can become better.

Kari Benson

Years in EMS: 8 years

Years with CASNR: 8 years

Years on CASNR board: 5 years

Current Board Position: Director

Why did you become involved in EMS?

I have always enjoyed helping and taking care of people. As a nurse, I do this every day. Being an EMT allows me to help people in our community when they need it the most. The need for EMTs is so great, I can't imagine not having an ambulance in our town.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

CASNR has a great group of people who volunteer their time to help others. We truly appreciate each and every member.

Rachel Holzwarth

Years in EMS: 16 years

Years with CASNR: 6 years

Years on CASNR board: 4 years

Current Board Position: President

Why did you become involved in EMS?

My first experience with EMS was as a high school student where I participated as a ride along with my local ambulance service. I was curious what EMS was about. After college, I went back to my hometown and took my first EMT class and served in communities in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota for 10 years. I was away from EMS for another 10 years and missed it, so I joined CASNR and took the class to become an EMT again. I have always had an interest in the medical field and helping people in times of crisis. Being of service to my community is important to me.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

Anyone can become a member of CASNR! There are so many ways that you can volunteer your time. We have wonderful community members that serve on our Board of Directors, people that choose to be CPR drivers, and those who train as Emergency Medical Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians. We have also built a strong student membership and currently have six high school students as members. Please consider volunteering with CASNR!

Becki Schumacher

Why did you become involved in EMS?

I joined the Community Ambulance of NR Board in March of this year. I am honored to serve on a Board that plays such an important role in the well-being of our community. It takes a village to organize and facilitate this essential service, I am grateful to contribute.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

I would like our community to know how many Ambulance runs the team provides service to each month. Our team covers a large geographical area and some months the number of times our services are utilized is astounding.

Eric Myhre

Years in EMS: 5 years

Years with CASNR: 5 years

Years on CASNR board: 3 years

Current Board Position: Vice President

Why did you become involved in EMS?

When I was in a major auto accident in 2009, it was a small town volunteer ambulance service that saved my life. I joined CASNR to give back to my community and hopefully give someone else a second chance at life.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

You don't need to be a medical professional to be a part of our ambulance service. You can be a typical farm equipment salesman like myself and still be an asset to CASNR. Please consider joining our service!

Jeff Pfau

Years in EMS: 42 years

Years with CASNR: 42 years

Years on CASNR board: Many years

Current Board Position: Director, Training Officer

Why did you become involved in EMS?

Eugene Brown who was an insurance agent in town recruited me to join the ambulance service.

What is one thing you would like the community to know about CASNR?

We are here to serve the community.

Mitch Bjerke

Mitch has served as a Community Member Board Director for 3 years.

Why did you become involved in EMS?

I joined CASNR as a community at large member for the opportunity to give an independent viewpoint of the services CASNR provides.