Cottage Grove seeks regional EMS backup
The City of Cottage Grove asked neighboring east‑metro communities to assist with emergency medical services coverage amid an EMS shortfall, aiming to maintain 911 response while the city addresses gaps. The outreach signals potential interim changes in ambulance/first‑responder coverage affecting Cottage Grove residents and nearby Washington County cities.
📌 Key Facts
- City: Cottage Grove (Washington County) requested EMS assistance from neighboring communities
- Issue: EMS coverage shortfall prompting regional support request
- Timing: Request reported Nov. 29, 2025; potential near‑term impact on 911 response coverage
📊 Relevant Data
Cottage Grove's population has grown from 38,839 in 2020 to an estimated 43,702 in 2025, increasing at a rate of 2.2% annually.
Cottage Grove, Minnesota Population 2025 — World Population Review
The fire department in Cottage Grove responded to 4,603 calls for service in 2023, representing an increase of over 50 percent since 2017.
Fire & EMS | Cottage Grove, MN — Cottage Grove MN Official Website
Minnesota's EMS industry faced a $66 million deficit in 2022.
Lawmakers seek to strengthen ambulance services in rural Minnesota — KAXE
In Cottage Grove, the racial composition is approximately 76% White, 6.5% Asian, 5.7% Black, and 6.8% Hispanic.
Cottage Grove, Minnesota Population 2025 — World Population Review
In Minnesota, there are racial disparities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates, with non-White patients experiencing lower survival rates potentially due to delayed recognition and response times.
Racial differences in cardiac arrest survival: insights from Minnesota data — ScienceDirect
Minnesota EMS agencies are experiencing chronic underfunding and staffing shortages, leading to warnings of potential system collapse.
MN EMS Agencies Warn of System Collapse, Lobby for Funding Fix — JEMS