Photo: North Shore Health

By Brittany North - Boreal Community Media - September 17, 2025

North Shore Health’s EMS team has faced some of the most challenging calls Cook County can offer — wilderness rescues deep in the Boundary Waters and beyond — and their commitment to preparation and teamwork has now earned them special recognition.

In June 2023, Karla Pankow, EMS director at North Shore Health, and her crew responded to a complex rescue on Beth Lake involving a seizing patient. The call required hours of paddling, careful teamwork, and coordination with partners like Sawtooth Outfitters and Cook County Search and Rescue.

“It was one of those rescues that really affirmed how important our partnerships and planning are,” Karla said. “It strengthened our team and led to some new ideas for how we equip and support crews in the field.”

Since then, EMS crews have responded to additional calls on Kelly Lake and Kiskadinna Lake this year alone, sometimes traveling by canoe under moonlight and headlamp. These experiences inspired the team to put together a dedicated rescue bag with food, electrolytes, and wilderness gear so that responders can focus on patient care without worrying about supplies. They are also exploring equipment upgrades, including a lighter, waterproof AED.

The crew is now incorporating a stronger wilderness focus into training, with paramedics completing certified wilderness medic courses to provide advanced care in remote settings with prolonged response times.

Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. During National EMS Week in May, the team created a “Paddle & Rescue” certificate and pin to honor everyone who has participated in these calls — including Karla herself. Seven team members, including Ben Belland, Eric Bjugstad, Shalom Richardson, Ashleigh Wallen, Garrett Lima, and Chris Homyak, have now earned the recognition.

“The camaraderie on these calls and the team in general is incredible,” Karla said. “Even after an overnight rescue, everyone came back muddy and tired but in great spirits. It really shows the strength of this group.”

Karla encourages anyone heading into the wilderness to take extra food, water, electrolytes, and a satellite communication option — and always have backup plans.

She also expressed gratitude to her team and community partners: “From dispatch to fire, mutual aid, high-angle rescue, and air support — we’re able to do what we do because of all of you.”