(WAUPUN) When someone in Waupun calls 911, help could soon arrive faster — even if the city’s main ambulance is already on another call.
Starting March 2, the City of Waupun will upgrade its Emergency Medical Responder program to allow crews to transport patients in a backup ambulance when needed.
City leaders say the change is designed to close coverage gaps as emergency calls increase. Lifestar will remain Waupun’s primary ambulance provider, but when that crew is tied up, the city’s EMR team will now be able to step in and take patients to the hospital instead of waiting for help from another community.
Right now, when Lifestar is unavailable, Waupun’s EMRs can provide initial care but cannot transport patients under the city’s state-approved plan. That often means relying on mutual aid from neighboring communities. Fire Chief BJ DeMaa said those backup response times can sometimes stretch beyond 30 minutes — delays that can make a serious difference in medical emergencies.
Mayor Rohn W. Bishop said rising demand has made it clear the city needs added flexibility. While Lifestar remains “a valued partner,” he said advancing the EMR program is a proactive step to meet the community’s changing needs.
The city launched its EMR program in 2019 after staffing studies showed growing strain on emergency systems locally and across the country. Since then, two state grants have helped pay for training and the purchase of two fully equipped ambulances.
DeMaa said most of the city’s EMRs are now certified at the EMT-Basic level or higher, positioning the department to expand into transport services. The State of Wisconsin recently approved the city’s request to operate as a backup transport service. As part of that approval, Waupun must strengthen its staffing plan over the next four years to ensure the model remains sustainable.
