Cambridge Couple Experiences Medical Scare Amid Village EMS Shortages

Imagine calling 911 in a medical emergency, only to find that help isn’t available. That’s exactly what happened to Ed and Bonnie Vanderbosch, a Cambridge couple who lived through a terrifying ordeal on February 24. After 45 years of marriage, they consider it a miracle that Ed is still alive today.

A Life-Threatening Emergency with No Paramedic Response

That night, Ed suddenly felt intense chest pressure. Recognizing the signs of a potential heart attack, Bonnie acted quickly. She gave her husband aspirin and called 911, informing dispatchers that Ed was 69 years old, at high risk for stroke, and experiencing severe chest pain. However, what happened next left the couple stunned.

Cambridge EMS arrived within minutes, but the response fell short of what was needed to save Ed’s life. “We did not have a paramedic on that night,” said Cambridge EMS Interim Medical Director Jonathan Williams. Without one, the team could not legally transport Ed to the hospital of his choice, UW Health in Madison, where he was already receiving cancer treatment. Instead, Cambridge EMS had to call Fort Atkinson EMS for backup. Ed was transported to Fort Memorial Hospital, but the decision to send him there instead of UW Health turned what should have been a routine emergency response into a near-tragedy.

A Family Forced to Take Matters into Their Own Hands

After arriving at Fort Memorial Hospital, Ed made a difficult choice—he signed himself out. His condition was worsening, but he knew that UW Health was better equipped to handle his medical history and complex needs. With no ambulance available to transfer him, Ed’s daughter took an unimaginable risk—driving him to UW Health in the middle of a heart attack. “She does CPR and stuff, but that is something no family should have to do,” Bonnie said. At UW Health, doctors confirmed the seriousness of Ed’s condition. He underwent an emergency quadruple bypass surgery and valve replacement just days later. While he survived, the Vanderbosch family knows that others may not be as lucky if Cambridge EMS does not improve its operations.

Cambridge EMS Faces Growing Scrutiny

In response to the Vanderbosches’ harrowing experience, Interim EMS Director Jonathan Williams has expressed regret over the handling of Ed’s emergency. “I apologize for the outcome regardless of the situation. I’m sorry it turned out that way and that’s not where they wanted to go,” he said. Cambridge EMS has been in turmoil for years due to ongoing disputes over its management. The former EMS director was removed, and now the department is working toward much-needed reforms.

A Critical Deadline for Change

Cambridge EMS currently lacks a permanent medical director, creating further uncertainty about its ability to function. The village is negotiating an agreement with Mercyhealth in Janesville to fill this role. However, if a solution is not reached by April 5, Cambridge EMS will be legally unable to operate any ambulance services. Ed, who is now in recovery and attending physical therapy three times a week, hopes his experience will lead to real change. “It turned out fine for me, but who knows about the next person,” he said.