‘We’re at that point of critical collapse’: Stevens County tries to navigate funding shortfall of ambulance system

Stevens County’s ambulance system should be OK for this year, Sheriff Brad Manke said.

But when asked about the outlook for next year, Manke hesitated.

“Next year remains to be seen,” said Manke, who runs Stevens County Sheriff’s Ambulance.

Ambulance services across Stevens County, including Stevens County Sheriff’s Ambulance, Deer Park Ambulance and Chewelah Rural Ambulance, are battling shrinking funding, staffing shortages and the rising costs of keeping ambulances running. Emergency medical services leaders warn that without immediate action, some services could be forced to close, leaving rural communities in northeastern Washington with dangerously long wait times for medical transport.

“Worst-case scenario is we close the doors and then you call 911 and need an ambulance, and ma