CHARLOTTE, Mich. – As rural communities across the nation grapple with accessibility to healthcare, UM Health-Sparrow Eaton Area EMS is seeing a significant increase in demand for its services, underscoring its vital role as a lifeline for residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.
Eaton Area EMS has seen an increase from 6,000 emergency response calls in 2024 to nearly 12,000 already in 2026. Nearly 4,500 of the calls in 2026 have been hospital-to-hospital transfers for patients needing a higher level of care.
“Our paramedics and EMTs provide critical medical expertise, stabilizing patients and preventing deterioration during transport. For trauma, heart attack and stroke victims, those minutes are lifesaving,” said Linda Reetz, Regional Market President for U-M Health.
For over 50 years, Eaton Area EMS has been a cornerstone of public health in the region. What began as a single truck managed by a local funeral home in the 1970s has grown into a nine-truck fleet operating 24/7 by a dedicated staff of 77 Team members, including paramedics and EMTs.
Today, the service provides advanced life support (ALS), including cardiac monitoring and airway management, to more than 40,000 residents in Eaton County alone. The service provides care without regard to a patient’s ability to pay.
UM Health-Sparrow Eaton Area EMS is a critical infrastructure component for the region’s sustainability, offering security for residents, employers and visitors.
Beyond responding to 911 calls, the EMS team plays an integral role in community safety and education. UM Health-Sparrow partners with local fire departments, law enforcement and other healthcare providers on disaster response and mass casualty planning. Team members also provide essential medical support for community events, from fairs and rodeos to sporting events and parades, thereby supporting tourism and economic development.
Eaton Area EMS has also invested in advanced technology to enhance patient outcomes. The fleets are equipped with lifesaving equipment, including ventilators, LifePak 35 cardiac monitors and GlideScope video technology to assist with airway support.
“Our personnel are members of the communities they serve,” said Troy Latunski, Manager of EMS Operations for Eaton Area EMS. “They know the local businesses and the infrastructure that keeps our region humming. They feel a deep responsibility to their neighbors.”
To safeguard the future of emergency care in Mid-Michigan, Eaton Area EMS administers a training program that sponsors local personnel through EMT certification. This initiative creates a vital pipeline for healthcare talent, ensuring the service remains staffed by skilled and dedicated professionals.
For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/our-hospitals-services/um-health-sparrow-hospitals/Eaton.
