From Rural to Regulatory with Dylan Ferguson and Jim Rieber

We talk with Dylan Ferguson, Director of the Minnesota Office of EMS, and Jim Rieber, former EMS Director in Perham in Northern Minnesota. Dylan shares his vision for EMS’s role in the opioid crisis, while Jim reflects on how his rural system changed its approach—bringing buprenorphine to the field and transforming how they respond to overdoses. Together, they explore how statewide leadership and local innovation can reshape care across Minnesota.

What is MN Bridge Interview Series: EMS & the Opioid Crisis?

The opioid crisis demands a stronger response from emergency care and EMS is uniquely positioned to lead. The MN Bridge podcast explores how EMS systems across Minnesota and the country are stepping into this role. This series highlights innovative strategies, local successes, and the evolving responsibilities of emergency providers. It’s a place for honest conversations, practical insights, and stories from the front lines of overdose response.