Johnson Lake EMS

Johnson Lake Emergency Medical Service began it’s existence in January 1980 by receiving a grant from the State of Nebraska. Twenty-five people began training as First Responders. While training, members engrossed themselves in planning ways to fund this new service. Several members went door-to-door asking for $100 donations, while others planned and sold tickets to raffle a car as a fund-raising event. Others hit the media and informed the public of this new service. By May 1980, the squad had raised $15,000 which purchased radio and medical equipment. They graduated from First Responder class and began volunteering for the sick and injured of Johnson Lake.

The squad now has 22 active members. We serve the Johnson Lake and surrounding area. We respond to calls around the lake and care for patients until Lexington Volunteer Fire Department on the Dawson side of the lake, or Elwood Volunteer Fire Department on the Gosper side of the lake, arrive to transport the patient to the Tri-County Hospital in Lexington, Nebraska 7 miles north.

We own an old ambulance, however it is an equipment transport vehicle only. This vehicle is equipped with a defibrillator, oxygen, trauma, and pediatric equipment. When we receive a call, members respond with the vehicle. In addition, all members carry oxygen, masks, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, dressings, bandages, and other equipment necessary for illness and trauma calls, to respond with the basics in emergency care.

The members of the Johnson Lake EMS are very proud of our history. We began with nothing, knowing very little about the world of EMS. In time, we grew to be respected by our peers and community. We are giving a little back to the community by volunteering our time to help those in need.

Back Row:  Lyman Anderson, Kim Johnson-Yeutter, Marty Kleppinger, Pam Gardner, Margy Ortegren, Dianne Jurgens, Deanna Kubert, Lisa Kunnemann, Lori Owings, Hugh Rath (retired)

Second Row:  John Erickson, John Dumpert (retired), Ken Gardner, Stacy Kubert, Clay Owings, Chip Boileau, Mitch Berke, Kevin Kunnemann

Front Row:  Jake Johnson, Joe Taft, Lonnie Kitterer, Jim Anderson, (not pictured: Kacey Woodliff)

Back Row:  Tim Boyle, Kim Jorges, Shelly Jorges, Ken Gardner*, Jake Johnson*, Jim Byrns, Sam Baack, Lonnie Kitterer*, Joni Finke, Carl Finke

Front Row:  Joe Taft*, Marty Kleppinger*, Barry Bauer, Pam Gardner*, Toby Johnson, Phyllis Byrns, Tracy Finke, Scott, Finke.  Not Pictured:  John Erickson*, Larry Roper, Anne Carey      *Still current member 2009

Back Row:  Scott Johnson, Denny Glen, Jack Henry, John Erickson*, Dr. Ed Konat, Leo O’Brien, Cheryl Flies, Virginia Glen, Jim Byrns, Carl Finke, Floyd Ralston

Middle Row:  Kathy Gray, Terry Furse, Yvonne Mathews, Bob Mathews, Al Hemingsen, Mary Hemingsen, Scott Wiley

Front Row:  Gary Henderson, Instructor, Mary Konat, Libby Henry, Charlanne Jenkins, Pam Johnson*, Joan Finke    *Still current member 2009

FORMER MEMBERS: (not mentioned above) Billie Gardner, Everett Gardner, Joe Gangwish, Chris Debban, Brownie Wamsley, Lisa Findley, Barb Wade, Don Schwitzer, Tammy Schwitzer, George Billington, Alton Bossong, Renee Bossong, Alicia Schneider