Rural Health
News by Topic: Criminal justice system
Oct 14, 2025 - A rural Montana sheriff's department is offering deputies a first responder medical training and certification program. The program would allow deputies to assist emergency medical services (EMS) providers in situations with multiple victims or provide aid while waiting for EMS to arrive. Notes that understaffing, poor weather, and large service areas can make EMS response times long. Discusses upcoming work by the state legislature to address EMS challenges.
Source: EMS 1
Sep 4, 2025 - Highlights a pilot program in Virginia to authorize Special Conservators of the Peace to respond to mental health issues. Discusses the trend away from using law enforcement as first responders for these calls, noting that departments in rural communities often do not have the resources to respond to these calls.
Source: Virginia Mercury