RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Last year EMS in Rapid City responded to more than thirteen thousand calls, but what about times when someone didn’t need a full ambulance? That’s where mobile medic comes into play.

The program was created in 2013 but didn’t have its first active mobile unit until 2016.

“To have senior individuals who knew the streets. Who were out and could insert themselves out in the community versus taking a fire engine and an ambulance out of a fire station. Leaving those resources available for higher acuity emergencies,” said Ryan Marcks, captain of the Rapid City Fire Department’s mobile medic program.

The unit consists of a group of senior paramedics who go around town, focusing on underserved communities, and providing medical services to anyone in need to prevent 9-1-1 calls.

Marcks says it is a unique program.

“We’re the only program of its sort within the state of South Dakota. The next closest program is in Denver which is different than ours. Everyone focuses on the needs of the community,” said Marcks.

Marcks added the program is also cost-effective.

“It’s a cost savings for the taxpayers. Instead of sending an ambulance and a fire engine to an unknown problem, we can send a highly trained paramedic with the same equipment to that situation and get there before anyone else,” said Marcks.

Marcks says he and his team, during a regular shift, will encounter everything from someone being intoxicated to life-and-death situations where someone isn’t breathing. He added the job is rewarding.

“Knowing that, after I have left this planet, something I’ve done has made a lasting difference. That’s, it’s a good feeling. We work very closely with the Police department and all city entities. We all work very very well together towards a common goal,” said Marcks.

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