MLHS Ambulance Service Recognized for Excellence

The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) has awarded Mille Lacs Health System’s Ambulance Department with a Certificate of Excellence for outstanding clinical care and documentation. This statewide recognition is based on performance in key areas of emergency care, including stroke, STEMI (heart attacks), trauma, and pediatric care.

Since 2022, OEMS has tracked a series of quality-of-care metrics known as Clinical Advisory Performance Measures. These benchmarks are used across Minnesota to assess and recognize EMS agencies that consistently deliver high-quality care in critical situations. To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, agencies must meet or exceed an 80% performance rate on at least five of these key measures. Mille Lacs Health System achieved this distinction based on its performance throughout the 2024 calendar year.

This achievement reflects not only the high standard of care provided by the ambulance crew on scene and during transport but also the strong collaboration between the EMS team, the Emergency Department staff, and the Trauma and Stroke Committees. Timely, safe transport and seamless handoff to the hospital team are essential components in meeting these standards.

The recognition highlights the commitment of the entire Emergency Service team—from department leadership to the Medical Director, and especially the EMTs and paramedics who respond in the field. Their attention to detail, strong documentation, and patient-centered care played a direct role in earning this award.

“I witness every day how compassionate our ambulance staff are in delivering the best possible pre-hospital care for our community members,” said Gina Becker, Ambulance Manager. “It is nice, however, to be recognized by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services with this award. This affirms the quality of service we provide is among the highest in the state, based on the Clinical Advisory Performance Measures. I am so very proud of my team and the collaboration we have within Mille Lacs Health System as a whole.”

This recognition is a source of pride not just for MLHS, but for the entire community. It affirms that those living in and around the Mille Lacs area are being cared for by an ambulance team that meets some of the highest standards for emergency medical care in the state.