MOORHEAD, Iowa (AP) – Rural communities in Siouxland are struggling to find new Emergency Medical Services personnel as teams shrink due to the lack of new workers or volunteers. The Sioux City Journal reports that fire stations in Moorhead and other communities in Monora County cite the drain of youth from rural communities as the primary factor for the lack of new recruits.

Monona County Sheriff Jeff Pratt says the shortage has slowed response time since fewer people can stop what they’re doing to come to the aid of someone who’s sick or injured outside of town. Moorhead has a population of about 230 people. It’s nearly a half hour drive to the nearest hospital in Onawa. Pratt says the issue will be discussed at a public meeting Wednesday in hopes of working toward a solution.