MEDICAL CARE from page 19
LAKES REGION EMS
Lakes Region EMS is an Advanced Life Support ambulance service , serving suburban and rural communities located just north east of the Twin Cities metropolitan area . Lakes Region EMS has three bases in Minnesota and two in Wisconsin : Rush City , North Branch , Lindstrom , St . Croix Falls and Milltown . It serves communities over 650 square miles , covering portions of both Minnesota and Wisconsin . This area includes 450 miles of Chisago , Isanti , Pine counties and roughly 200 square miles of Polk County , Wisconsin .
Ambulances are staffed and equipped to provide Advanced Life Support ( ALS ) care . This means Lakes Region EMS can essentially bring the emergency room to the patient . The paramedics and EMTs are trained in advanced lifesaving procedures and medications to provide emergency treatment for traumatic injury and both sudden and life-threatening illness . These advanced skills coupled with modern equipment available on each ambulance increases the chance for survival significantly .
From the outset , the ambulance service was three separate organizations . Like many ambulance services throughout the United States , each of the three ambulance services was originally a small rural volunteer organization . As call volume increased , volunteerism decreased and there became a need to advance the level of care they provided to their communities . At that time , the organizations began to consider a merger that would unite all three organizations into becoming one countywide organization , thus streamlining operations , administration and maximizing their ability to provide the highest levels of clinical care to the communities they served . The 1997 merger formally established Lakes Region EMS .
From this strong foundation , an organization was created that through , not only its words but also by its actions , showed its commitment to premier patient care , was focused on the best customer experience , and cared deeply about being an active part of the communities it served . Lakes Region EMS also knew that it had to be a good steward of its financial resources in order to accomplish its first three goals successfully . These principles have continued within the organization and were the foundation that created the Lakes Region EMS Four Pillars : serving customers with state-of-the-art patient care , outstanding customer service , dedication to the communities we serve , and financial health and responsibility .
In October 2014 , significant growth of LREMS spurred its October 2014 move to the 22,000-square-foot building at 40245 Fletcher Avenue in North Branch ’ s ESSBY Business Park . The building serves as headquarters for the nonprofit ambulance service which still includes a total of five locations in two states ; presently serving an area of 700 square miles in size ; and responds annually to between 6,000 and 7,000 calls for emergency-medical services . The meeting rooms on the upper level of their facility can be reserved for area non-profit organizations and government entities , free of charge . The large community education room seats up to 80 people in an education style setting , and the Community Conference room or Executive Board Room can seat 16-18 people in a discussion style setting ; both have an AV screen for presentations .
Lakes Region EMS provides several education programs for the layperson , professional rescuers , and healthcare providers , including hands-only CPR , health-care provider CPR and classes for first-aid certification , as well as training for first responders and emergency-medical technicians .
ECUMEN - NORTH BRANCH
Ecumen North Branch offers exceptional senior living designed to support your lifestyle and individual needs . More than simply a place to live or a place for care , Ecumen North Branch senior living spaces are designed to promote community and connection , providing a continuum of care ranging from assisted living , memory care , long-term care , and shortterm rehabilitation .
Assisted Living offers one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens . Supporting a focus on independence , expert care teams are ready to provide as much — or as little — assistance as needed .
Memory Care features Ecumen Awakenings™ program , an award-winning approach to Alzheimer and Dementia care . Studio apartments include private bathrooms and showers .
Short-Term Transitional Care provides a local option for post-surgery or injury rehabilitation . Highly trained specialists provide physical , occupational and speech therapy working closely with each patient to follow their doctor ’ s plan for recovery .
Long-Term Care residents find a comforting and enriching environment for living their best regardless of chronic conditions or prolonged illness that requires 24-hour care .
Ecumen North Branch | 5379 383rd Street , North Branch , 55056 | 651-237- 3000 | EcumenNorthBranch . org
THE ESTATES AT RUSH CITY
The Estates at Rush City , managed by Monarch Healthcare Management , 650 S . Bremer Ave ., Rush City , provides short- and long-term skilled nursing care to the community .
Staff is dedicated to providing individualized care in a clean , comfortable environment . Short-term rehabilitation is available to help patients return home quickly after an illness or surgery . The Estates at Rush City offers a variety of health care services , including stroke rehabilitation , wound care , and IV therapy .
The facility is renowned for providing patient-centered care and its smaller size promotes enhanced continuum of care and personalized relationships . Residents enjoy nearby walking trails , lakes and a variety of on-site activities such as horseshoes , bingo , and even virtual reality !
Contact The Estates at Rush City at 320-358-4765 ; or visit monarchmn . com / the-estates-at-rush-city /.
POINT PLEASANT HEIGHTS
Set on 25 wooded and landscaped acres along the shores of Green Lake , Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights offers exceptional value for those seeking independent senior living .
With 63 apartments and 46 townho-
MEDICAL CARE see page 21
Page 20 North Branch / Rush City Community Guide • February 2025