Balaton MN Fire Department and Ambulance

Balaton MN Fire Department and Ambulance Founded in 1906, the Balaton Fire Department along with the Balaton Ambulance serve the City of Balaton and it’s surrounding area.

05/30/2026

Nearly three dozen Minnesotans have already died in fires this year, and it’s only May.

They were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends and so much more.

Take steps today to protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Test and check the batteries in your smoke alarms.
• Create and practice a fire escape plan for your household.
• Keep the exits in your home clear.
• Never leave cooking, candles, smoking materials or other sources of fire unattended.

These small steps can save lives. Don’t wait until a tragedy strikes close to home to take action.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our exceptional Ambulance Crew, whose dedication and passion for serving others ens...
05/22/2026

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our exceptional Ambulance Crew, whose dedication and passion for serving others ensure that our district and local community consistently have individuals ready to provide assistance at a moment's notice. Their commitment to their work is truly commendable.

Thank you: EMTs
Donna Miller
Hailey Gernentz
Jason Kaare
Kasey Holm
Kara Miller
Mandy Mathews
Teri Hively

Thank you: EMRs
Jared Hively
Jeremy Swenson
Josh Torgeson
Mitch Holm
Reed Lange
Tracy McCloud

If you have a passion for helping others and want to serve your community, and are curious about available opportunities with Balaton Ambulance or Balaton Fire, please contact Kasey Holm (Fire Chief), Reed Lange (Ambulance Captain), or Jason Kaare (Ambulance Captain).

We want to extend our gratitude to the families that support our EMS Crew, without their support they wouldn't be able to do what they do.

Wednesday, May 20th – EMS for Children DayThis observance honors the tireless efforts of EMS professionals while emphasi...
05/21/2026

Wednesday, May 20th – EMS for Children Day

This observance honors the tireless efforts of EMS professionals while emphasizing the unique physiological, psychological, and equipment needs of pediatric patients.

Children are not merely smaller adults; rather, their distinct age-related characteristics necessitate tailored vital signs and EMS protocols.

CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and numerous other procedures have been adapted to accommodate their smaller physiques, environmental factors, medications, and illnesses, all of which can impact children differently than adults. EMS providers undergo specialized training to address these nuances.

Grandparents, family members, and caregivers should be aware of children's health conditions, including seizure history, blood sugar issues, allergies, and other potentially life-altering conditions.

The proper use and placement of car seats are crucial, even for short trips. Accidents can occur suddenly.

In the home, ensure that hazardous substances and medications are securely stored. Prevent choking hazards and never leave children unattended in the bath or near pools, as even small amounts of water can pose a drowning risk.

Older children, please talk with them about basic safety and what do in an Emergency, who to call and what say, preparedness is important.

Our emergency response vehicles are equipped with safety straps, comforting items like teddy bears, and specialized resources, such as autistic support bags.

As EMS providers, we understand the stress and anxiety that emergency situations can cause for families. We are committed to providing compassionate and expert care.

05/20/2026

Tuesday, May 19 is EMS Safety Day.

Today was also our department's training night. Tonight, our training focused on safely working with electrical vehicles. The goal of our training sessions is to maintain sharp skills, with safety being the paramount objective.

Safety is a top priority - our safety, the safety of patients, family members, or witnesses at a scene. The presence of bystanders who gather to watch complicates the safety of all individuals involved, necessitating their safety be taken into account, which adds to the situation. Please keep yourself safe and stay away. We truly want to ensure that all involved in emergency situations are safe.

Fire safety: please ensure you have working smoke detectors and CO2 detectors in your home and an escape plan in place; you usually have two minutes or less to react and get out safely.

In a health emergency, items like a clear, uncluttered pathway to your home and in your home will ensure EMS will have the access they need to get to you quickly. Having important documents like DNR paperwork hanging on the fridge, medical history, and medication lists, as well as medical bracelets for items like diabetes, seizures, cancer, and other serious medical conditions that medical personnel should know.

Vehicle accidents: we can't stress enough the importance of wearing seatbelts, as it could save your life; proper child seat placement and children being secured within those seatbelts is also crucial. Even safely securing pets is important.

Please keep yourself, your family and your EMS safe.

05/18/2026

Monday, May 18: EMS Education Day:

Minnesota requires approximately 150 to 160 hours of training to obtain an initial EMT license, followed by 48 hours of EMS‑related continuing education to maintain their license.

The state’s initial training for an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) license typically includes 40 to 60 hours of coursework, with 16 hours of continuing education required for renewal.

They also participate in monthly training exercises alongside the Fire Department and other agencies within our area.

In addition, we provide community education through CPR classes (most recently offered in 2025), social‑media awareness campaigns focused on weather preparedness, and by answering questions from community members.

If your passion is helping others and you’re interested in joining our amazing team, please reach out to:

- Kasey Holm – Fire Chief
- Jason Kaare – Ambulance Captain
- Reed Lange – Ambulance Captain

Any member of our ambulance crew would be happy to answer your questions and share more about what we do.

National EMS Week is May 17 to May 23, 2026. The 52nd annual observance, themed "Improving Outcomes, Together." The dail...
05/17/2026

National EMS Week is May 17 to May 23, 2026. The 52nd annual observance, themed "Improving Outcomes, Together."

The daily focus areas:
Monday, May 18: EMS Education Day
Tuesday, May 19: Safety
Wednesday, May 20: EMS for Children Day Thursday, May 21: Save-A-Life Day
Friday, May 22: EMS Recognition Day

05/14/2026
05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day. We hope everyone honors their Mother's with love and heartfelt gratitude today. A special tribute to the remarkable Mother's on our department.

Donna Miller
Kara Miller
Teri Hively
Mandy Mathews

And to the Mothers/Wives of all the men on the department.

Community center is filling up, but plenty of room come on down while it lasts.
02/13/2026

Community center is filling up, but plenty of room come on down while it lasts.

Address

100 Lake Avenue
Balaton, MN
56115

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balaton MN Fire Department and Ambulance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share