09/13/2026
Yesterday we had to put into practice something that we discuss and train on regularly. A mass casualty incident (MCI) occurred on Highway 61. An MCI is described as an incident that overwhelms the resources of an area. In our service area, that can happen with as little as 3 patients. Yesterday, our crews were put into a position that not many have been involved with. The teamwork and coordination that happened was better than we could have ever hoped.
When it came down to it, personnel from multiple agencies came together to give our patients the best care possible. We had additional crew members step up and come in to help make more ambulances, take transfers from the hospital, and still answer 911 calls. We couldn't have done our job without the help from our partners throughout the region.
A big thank you to the Two Harbors Fire Department for helping with the scene, landing zones, and providing us with drivers so we could staff multiple ambulances.
Also a big thank you to Mayo Clinic Ambulance, Silver Bay Fire Department , Clifton Fire Department - Duluth Township , Lake County Rescue Squad, Lake County Sheriff's Office, MN , Lake County Dispatch, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office - MN, St. Louis County Dispatch, Two Harbors Police Department , Silver Bay Police Department , Minnesota State Patrol , MNDNR, North Memorial EMS , Life Link III , and Minnesota Department of Transportation for answering the call when we needed the help.
And one more thank you to Aspirus Lake View Hospital for calling in additional personnel to handle the high numbers of patients we took to them.
We are extremely grateful to serve an area where jurisdictions and county lines disappear when help is needed. Thank you everyone for showing up when we needed you.
