Since Memorial Day Weekend 2026, the Hart Area Fire Department (HAFD) has provided dedicated medical response coverage on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes every weekend, resulting in dramatic improvements in emergency response and patient transport times for dune-related injuries.
Currently, HAFD staffs two Medical First Responders (MFRs) on the dunes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each weekend. Their mission is to rapidly assess, stabilize and transport sick or injured persons from the incident location to the base of the dunes, where they rendezvous with Life EMS for transfer to an ambulance and transport to the most appropriate trauma center.
Addressing a Longstanding Challenge
The Dune Extrication Plan was developed following extensive discussions throughout 2025 between the Hart Area Fire Department, the Oceana County Medical Control Authority (MCA), Life EMS, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representatives and trauma program leaders from Trinity Health Shelby and Trinity Health Muskegon.
At that time, EMS response and transport times within the dunes posed significant challenges. Ambulance crews frequently traveled long distances to reach the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, transferred to specially modified DNR vehicles capable of transporting stretchers, navigated difficult terrain to reach patients, provided medical assessment and treatment, and then transported patients back to the base of the dunes before beginning ambulance transport.
As a result, total EMS call times from dispatch to leaving the scene often ranged from one to two hours. In some cases, patient contact did not occur until 20 minutes or more after EMS arrived at the dunes.
Recognizing the need for improvement, community partners formed the Dune Extrication Planning Committee. Membership included representatives from:
• Oceana County Medical Control Authority
• Hart Area Fire Department
• Local and State DNR
• State of Michigan EMS representatives
• Life EMS
• Trinity Health Shelby Trauma Program
• Trinity Health Muskegon Trauma Program
The committee's goal was to identify ways to expedite patient access, improve scene management and reduce transport delays for critically injured patients.
Measurable Results
Since HAFD began staging on the dunes and responding directly to personal injury incidents, the average time from EMS dispatch to leaving the scene has reduced from 1 to 2 hours to approximately 31 to 38 minutes. These improvements represent a significant advancement in trauma care for visitors to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The importance of rapid transport for trauma patients cannot be overstated. Trauma systems across the country recognize that prompt access to definitive care improves outcomes and can reduce mortality for seriously injured patients. By decreasing scene and extrication times, first responders are helping patients receive advanced medical care sooner.
"Every minute counts when caring for a critically injured patient," said program leaders. "Reducing delays means patients reach the appropriate level of care faster, which can have a direct impact on outcomes."
A Community-Supported Solution
The success of the Dune Extrication Plan would not have been possible without the support of local residents, businesses and community stakeholders.
Through generous donations and support from Silver Lake area residents, local businesses and Golden Township, HAFD obtained the specialized equipment necessary to operate safely and effectively within the dunes. This includes a donated Polaris Ranger equipped with a medical skid unit specifically designed for patient care and transport in the challenging dune environment.
Using this vehicle, HAFD Medical First Responders can rapidly reach injured patients, provide immediate medical care, and transport them from the accident scene to the base of the dunes, where Life EMS can continue advanced treatment and transport.
This approach has not only improved patient care but has also allowed EMS resources to remain focused on providing advanced medical treatment and transportation.
What Our Partners Are Saying
"The numbers are impressive. We have found that early transport works and significantly reduces scene times. The combined system involving HAFD, DNR, and EMS has worked exceptionally well. Everyone has been working together effectively, and it is clearly having a positive impact on patient outcomes." - Dr. Loren Reed, Oceana County Medical Control Authority
"As the summer has progressed, the relationship between the DNR Rangers and HAFD has become even stronger. Communication continues to improve, and DNR personnel have been a tremendous asset in helping move and transport patients from the dunes. The response times clearly demonstrate that the system we have implemented is working." - Jonathan Hughart, Hart Area Fire Department
Looking Ahead
While the Dune Extrication Program has achieved outstanding results, coverage is currently limited to weekends during the summer season. The Dune Extrication Planning Committee recognizes that many busy days remain without dedicated HAFD dune staffing.
At present, the costs associated with staffing two Medical First Responders on the dunes each weekend are supported through Oceana County and Hart Area Fire Department funding. To sustain and potentially expand this level of service, several options are being explored, including:
• Additional state funding opportunities
• Local government support
• Community and business donations
• Development of additional on-dune resources to assist during periods when HAFD is not staffed The committee remains committed to improving emergency response capabilities at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and ensuring that residents and visitors continue to receive the highest level of care possible.
For additional information regarding the Dune Extrication Plan, please contact Fire Chief Dwight Fuehring or Lieutenant Jonathan Hughart of the Hart Area Fire Department at 231-873-3378.
