Henderson County Ambulance Service

Henderson County Ambulance Crisis: Oquawka Out of Service Amid Volunteer Shortages

Henderson County and many surrounding counties face a serious crisis in local ambulance services. Volunteer shortages are pushing emergency medical response to the brink. 

A recent social media post by Dalton Pullen, who has stepped up as the new Director of Oquawka Ambulance, highlights the urgent situation and calls for community involvement to prevent longer response times and potential risks to residents.

On February 3, Henderson County held its regularly scheduled quarterly ambulance meeting. These meetings typically include ambulance directors, board committee members, and a representative from the Burlington Fire Department. 

Discussions focus on financial reports, services rely heavily on patient transports and insurance payments to cover utilities and some medical supplies, with the county funding half of major repairs and large equipment purchases; operational issues such as dispatch challenges; and requests for equipment or improvements.

The meeting took a dramatic turn when the committee recommended that the Director of Oquawka Ambulance step down. The recommendation was accepted, and Pullen was asked to serve as Interim Director to help restore full operations. He described feeling terrified, given critically low volunteer numbers and the risk that the leadership change could lead to more departures.

Pullen called an emergency meeting with active members to address concerns openly. Despite tensions and unanswered questions, the group reaffirmed their shared mission of providing critical care during people’s worst moments. It was decided that Pullen would officially take over as Director.

Challenges escalated quickly. A couple of weeks ago, Pullen received official notice from medical control and the state EMS coordinator that Oquawka Ambulance is out of service indefinitely. To resume operations, the service must submit an approved staffing schedule and pass a reinspection.

Oquawka, the county seat and largest population center, remains without a local ambulance. 911 calls in the area will still receive a response, but it may come from neighboring towns like Biggsville, Stronghurst, or Burlington, IA. This can result in response times exceeding 20 minutes. In emergency medical services, every minute counts, delays can have life-altering consequences. As a volunteer himself, Pullen expressed deep distress at the thought of community members waiting longer for help.

Biggsville and Stronghurst ambulance services continue operating, thanks to dedicated volunteers and long-time directors like Glenda Ehlen and Lee Moore, who have given years to keep things running. Pullen urged residents to thank them personally for shouldering an increasing burden, especially now that Oquawka’s absence shifts more calls their way.

The post emphasizes that volunteer-only ambulance models are not sustainable long-term. Nearby counties have begun transitioning away from purely volunteer systems or making significant changes. While Burlington Fire Department responses provide some coverage, response origins can vary (such as from downtown or airport stations), adding unpredictability. All three Henderson County ambulance services, Biggsville, Oquawka, and Stronghurst, are grappling with a critical shortage of Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). 

Recruiting and retaining volunteers is increasingly difficult. Many current responders juggle full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities, leading to widespread burnout. The same small group handles calls repeatedly, missing holidays, family events, and personal time, some after 5, 10, or even 20 years of service.

Pullen stressed that no one should be expected to sacrifice endlessly, and the system cannot keep relying on the same exhausted individuals.

To address the crisis, Pullen is urgently seeking new volunteers willing to commit regularly. 

Upcoming training includes free EMR classes that require a time commitment and passing a written exam, with training provided over several weeks.

EMT classes are also available, including a March class in Galesburg that runs March through July on Tuesdays and Thursdays, requiring an 80% passing grade and limited absences. It costs $400, which is reimbursed by the county upon signing a 2-year volunteer commitment contract, though students cover personal gear such as shirts, sweatshirts, and boots. An April EMT class is anticipated with similar details.

Anyone interested should contact Dalton Pullen, Glenda Ehlen, or Lee Moore.

Pullen closed by urging residents to read, share, discuss, ask questions, and get involved. The future of emergency care in Henderson County depends on community support. This situation reflects broader challenges in rural Illinois EMS, where volunteer shortages, funding pressures, and rising demands threaten services. Residents are encouraged to step up, your involvement could make a life-saving difference.