Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals in Minnesota face unique challenges in their daily work, responding to crises that demand skill, compassion, and resilience. The safety and well-being of paramedics and EMTs are paramount. However, the profession continues to experience high rates of injury, burnout, and mental health struggles. As we work to support our frontline responders, we must address both immediate safety concerns and long-term resilience strategies while also honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Safety Challenges in EMS

Minnesota’s EMS workforce operates in environments where physical and psychological hazards are prevalent. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), EMS workers experience an injury rate of 34.6 per 100 full-time workers, nearly three times the national average for all occupations (NIOSH, 2021). These injuries result from patient handling, vehicle accidents, and assaults, underscoring the need for ongoing safety measures, proper equipment, and workforce training.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has emphasized the need for expanded access to personal protective equipment (PPE), enhanced de-escalation training, and improved vehicle safety standards to protect paramedics on the job (MDH, 2023). Furthermore, legislation such as HF 1492, introduced in Minnesota, seeks to improve protections and resources for first responders, including PTSD support and critical incident debriefing programs (Minnesota Legislature, 2024).

Building Resilience in EMS Professionals

Building resilience in EMS requires both individual and organizational support. Recent studies published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) suggest that structured peer support, wellness programs, and mental health resources significantly reduce burnout rates among paramedics (JEMS, 2022).

Additionally, organizations like the Minnesota Ambulance Association (MAA) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) advocate for initiatives such as mandatory rest periods, comprehensive mental health services, and financial support for EMS personnel facing hardship (NAEMT, 2023).

Honoring Our Fallen: The MN State EMS LoDD Memorial Foundation

While we strive to improve safety and resilience, we must also recognize those who have given their lives in the line of duty. The Minnesota State EMS Line of Duty Death (LoDD) Memorial Foundation was established to ensure that the sacrifices of EMS professionals are never forgotten. Founded by Adam Harvey, a 20-year EMS veteran, the foundation is working to build a permanent memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol to honor fallen EMS personnel.

To date, the foundation has garnered support from major organizations, including Allina Health, the Minnesota Ambulance Association, the IAFF, and the Minnesota Nursing Association. The project, which has already raised over $10,000, continues to seek additional funding through grants and corporate sponsorships. Honoring our fallen not only pays tribute to their service but also reinforces the urgency of protecting current EMS professionals from preventable harm.

A Call to Action

Ensuring the safety, resilience, and well-being of Minnesota’s EMS professionals requires a collaborative effort from government agencies, healthcare organizations, and the communities they serve. We must continue advocating for legislation, funding, and policies that protect those who dedicate their lives to saving others. Supporting initiatives like the MN State EMS LoDD Memorial Foundation ensures that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

By investing in safety measures, mental health resources, and memorial efforts, we honor the past while strengthening the future of Minnesota’s EMS workforce. Together, we can ensure that our paramedics and EMTs receive the recognition, support, and protection they deserve.

For more information or to support the MN State EMS LoDD Memorial Foundation, visit www.mnemsfoundation.org or contact Adam Harvey at MNEMSFoundation@gmail.com. Mailing address: PO Box 141, Bock, MN 56313. Phone: 651-247-3755.

Author: Adam Harvey

References

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2021). Emergency medical services workers: Injuries, fatalities, and prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ems/

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). (2023). EMS and public safety initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.health.state.mn.us/

Minnesota Legislature. (2024). HF 1492: First responder mental health and safety act. Retrieved from https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/

Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). (2022). Burnout prevention and peer support for EMS professionals. Retrieved from https://www.jems.com/

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). (2023). EMS mental health and safety initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.naemt.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 February 2025
Contact: 
Minnesota Ambulance Association
office@mnems.org

Minnesota Ambulance Association Honors 2025 Minnesota Stars of Life

[St. Paul, MN] – The Minnesota Ambulance Association is proud to announce the 2025 Minnesota Stars of Life honorees, recognizing the exceptional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership, and excellence in serving their communities.

The Minnesota Stars of Life Award is the state’s highest recognition for EMS professionals, honoring individuals who go above and beyond in delivering life-saving care, mentoring the next generation, and strengthening the EMS system. This year’s honorees represent paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and EMS leaders from across the state who have shown extraordinary dedication to patient care, innovation, and service.

2025 Minnesota Stars of Life Honorees:

Amendt, Paul | Paramedic/Team Lead, Essentia Health EMS | Sartell, MN

Berg, Kelly | Paramedic, Hennepin EMS | Minneapolis, MN

Caulkins, Chris | Training Captain, Allina Health EMS | Forest Lake, MN

Cook, Jane | EMT-B, Henning Ambulance Service | Henning, MN

Cox, Sam | Paramedic, Critical Care FTO, Allina Health EMS | Coon Rapids, MN

Gravermoen, Johnny | EMD, Hennepin EMS | Minneapolis, MN

Grodevant, Hillary | Paramedic, Mayo Clinic Ambulance | Mazeppa, MN

Husfeldt, Helen V. | EMT-B, Co-Director, Henning Ambulance | Henning, MN

Jacobson, Jamie | Operations Manager, Sanford-Thief River Falls | Thief River Falls, MN

Jensen, Stacy | Critical Care Paramedic, M Health Fairview EMS | Isanti, MN

Kirchner, Jennifer | Ambulance Director, Murry County Ambulance | Slayton, MN

Kratzke, Ryan | Paramedic, Hennepin EMS | Minneapolis, MN

Krueger, Tom | EMS Education and Emergency Management Coordinator, Astera Health EMS | Wadena, MN

Miron, Matt | Paramedic, Manager of Interfacility, Allina Health EMS | Blaine, MN

Myhra, Eric | EMT, North Memorial Ambulance | Brainerd, MN

Neumann, Todd | Paramedic, Sanford Ambulance | Pelican Rapids, MN

Panasuk, LeRoy | Emergency Medical Responder, Essentia Health EMS - Deer River | Grand Rapids, MN

Riggott, Tricia | Critical Care Paramedic, Mayo Clinic Ambulance | Wabasha, MN

Ruminsky, Alicia | EMD, Hennepin EMS | Minneapolis, MN

Sarnstrom, Erik | Paramedic Supervisor South Metro, Allina Health EMS | Bloomington, MN

Sather, Sue | EMT Lead, CCM Health EMS | Montevideo, MN

Schmidt, Tony | Paramedic/Field Training Officer, North Memorial Ambulance| Douglas County, MN

Schwartz, Spencer | Paramedic, Hennepin EMS | Minneapolis, MN

Serreyn, Richard | Paramedic, North Memorial Ambulance | Marshall, MN

Stellrecht, Sheryl | EMT, Cannon Falls Ambulance | Cannon Falls, MN

Strom, Steven | Emergency Medical Technician, Mayo Clinic Ambulance | Albert Lea, MN

VanGrinsven, Matt | Paramedic, Field Training Officer, North Memorial Ambulance | Park Rapids, MN

Zavertaniy, Sergey | Paramedic, Hennepin EMS | Minneapolis, MN

“These incredible professionals represent the heart of EMS in Minnesota,” said Michael Juntunen, President of the Minnesota Ambulance Association. “Every day, they bring their skills, compassion, and resilience to serve their communities. Whether responding to critical emergencies, mentoring future EMS providers, or advancing our profession, their dedication makes a profound impact. We are honored to recognize their service and celebrate their achievements.”

The honorees will be celebrated at the 2025 Minnesota Stars of Life Awards Ceremony, where family, colleagues, and state officials will gather to acknowledge their invaluable contributions.

The Minnesota Ambulance Association extends its deepest gratitude to all EMS professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting and caring for others. Congratulations to the 2025 Minnesota Stars of Life honorees!

For more information about the Minnesota Stars of Life or the Minnesota Ambulance Association, please visit www.mnems.org or email office@mnems.org. 

About the Minnesota Ambulance Association

The Minnesota Ambulance Association represents and supports EMS professionals and ambulance services across the state. The organization advocates for policies that strengthen emergency medical care, provides professional development opportunities, and promotes the essential role of EMS in public health and safety.

Dear MAA Members, 

As Minnesota prepares for a dynamic 2025 legislative session, several special elections and legal challenges are shaping the political landscape. With key races in Districts 40B and 60, along with potential contests in 54A and 47, the outcomes could significantly influence state leadership. The Minnesota Ambulance Association (MAA) is advancing a robust legislative agenda to strengthen EMS funding, training, and sustainability—be sure to continue reading for additional details.

We also encourage you to join us for the Rural EMS Roundtable in St. Paul on January 28 and to nominate a Star of Life for our Minnesota Stars of Life event on March 18, 2025. Together, let’s advocate for the future of EMS in Minnesota!

Buck McAlpin, Lobbyist 

****

Special Elections 2025:

As we all watched for legal challenges and chaos in the Federal election we seemed to have our own issues in MN this past November.

In District 40B, the Shoreview, North Oaks, Arden Hills the election was called due to the elected candidate being found to have not resided in the district and had rented an apartment he never stayed in.  That candidate resigned and the seat opened.  Five Democrats and one Republican have filed for the seat, that triggered a primary election to be held on January 14^th ahead of the general election on January 28^th.  That district is expected to stay DFL.

In Senate District 60, the special election was called due to the death of Senator Kari Dziedzic, the former majority leader of the MN Senate. 10 Democrats and three Republicans filed for that seat. Neither of the current House members filed for the seat. This special election will also have a primary on January 14^th with a Special election on January 28^th.

And keep in mind with those two special elections, there remain two more potential special elections.  In House District 54A, the Scott County race where 20 ballots were lost and the winning margin was, but 14 votes was challenged in court by the House Republicans.    The current winning candidate Brad Tabke wants the election certified so he can be allowed on the House floor when the session starts. This case is now in the hands of the judge who is expected to rule soon.  The other potential special election is in Senate District 47 (Woodbury) where Senator Nicole Mitchell appeared in court recently as a settlement conference began related to her burglary charge.  From these legal negotiations numerous things could happen in this one including Mitchell continuing her term, a voluntary resignation as part of a settlement or removal from office if she is convicted of a felony. 

With all this in mind as I write this pre-session update the legislature will start on January 14^th with a 33-33 tie in the Senate, and a 67-66 Republican majority in the House. Either way the legislature will begin on January 14^th as we await special elections and court rulings.

The MAA 2025 Legislative Agenda:

At the direction of the MAA Board and Legislative Committee we have drafted up a few pieces of legislation to start the 2025 legislative session.

1.        We drafted up a bill to increase Medicaid rates for all ambulance services. In talking with DHS and our bill author we have not decided on a percentage yet. That number will be considered as budget negotiations at the legislature progress this session.
2.        We drafted up a bill to expand access to the EMT training reimbursement program managed by the Office of EMS, which continues to have a balance every two years of non-encumbered funding. This bill would increase reimbursement for EMT initials and refresher courses, remove the word “volunteer” to open the pool to more ambulance services in rural MN. And, most importantly it adds our important First Responders who work on ambulance services to the reimbursement formula.
3.        Mark and I have also been working with the revisors office to draft up the continuation of the very successful Paramedic Scholarship program which is managed by the MN Office of Higher Education. That office has collaborated and worked with the MAA and the Office of EMS the last two years to market and get new paramedics in your rigs. We look forward to the opportunity to work on extending and expanding access to this for the members.
4.        Also, the MAA Legislative Committee has been working on a draft bill regarding a EMT apprenticeship program. We are awaiting some more technical feedback and should have that bill ready to be drafted this next week. Thanks to Mark Jones, Dylan Ferguson and Tom Fennel who have been working hard on this important workforce legislation.
5.        We also continue to work with the Greater Cities Coalition on some opportunities to secure sustainability funding for services with lower EMS volume and continued financial viability issues. Although $24 million was secured last session additional funding and a more uniformed all-inclusive program needs to be established regardless of your legal status as a private, non-profit, hospital based, Governmental or Tribal entity.

The New Office of EMS:

The new Office of EMS began on January 1, 2025, and the transition seems to have been Seamless as it continues to be led by Dylan Ferguson. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Director Ferguson for attending numerous meetings around the State and MAA Board meeting to provide Transparency on the entire process. Also, a special thanks to the outgoing and prior EMSRB Board members.

WEBINAR Post-Crash Care - Innovations in Managing Patient Entrapment and Extrication Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS on Thursday, December 19, at 1pm ET / 10am PT

EMS clinicians respond to nearly 1.5 million motor vehicle crashes on the nation's roadways each year. Of those, at least 55,226 involve patients trapped or pinned in vehicles in need of extrication. In this webinar, experts will explore entrapment-related injuries and the specialized skills and training EMS clinicians need.  Panelists will review:  Current NAEMSP recommendations for entrapped patients The latest research from the United Kingdom  Traditional extrication techniques and technology Rapid extrication methods, self-extrication and the hazards of prolonged entrapment Training and skills needed to manage entrapped patients and support patient-centered rescue throughout the extrication process Patient communication and airway, injury and hypothermia management Register Now

Panelists Include: Nichole Bosson, MD, MPH, NRP, FAEMS, medical director, Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency, associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; faculty member and EMS fellowship director in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA. Tim Nutbeam, MB, ChB, Medicine, professor of emergency medicine and post-collision care, Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, Great Britain; consultant in emergency medicine and prehospital emergency medicine. Attendees will be encouraged to submit questions during any point of the discussion. The webinar and Q&A will last approximately one hour.

Registration Open for CMS’ Person-Centered Listening Sessions on Improving Health in Rural Communities on November 20 On November 20, the CMS Innovation Center will host a Person-Centered Listening Session on Improving Care Experience, Outcomes, & Equity in Rural Communities This listening session will focus on access and delivery in rural health care, and key takeaways from CMS Innovation Center Rural Health Hackathons and a listener Q&A. Insights from this session will help inform the Innovation Center’s strategy on addressing common rural health issues. The listening session will take place on Wednesday, November 20 from 12:00-1:00 PM ET. Registration is open. Please Note: Attendees may submit written comments or questions before the webinar via the registration page or during the Q&A session. Please indicate if you would prefer not to have your comments read or wish to remain anonymous. For more information, please visit the following links: Sign up for the CMS Innovation Center listserv for details on future events, model updates, and more Follow us on X

Marburg Virus Disease: New EMS Guidelines

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are severe illnesses caused by a range of viruses, some of which have high fatality rates. Although cases are rare in the United States, these viruses are becoming more prevalent internationally. Examples of VHFs include Marburg virus disease (MVD), with a fatality rate averaging around 50% (ranging from 24% to 88%), Lassa fever, with a hospital fatality rate of 15% to 20% (and as high as 50% in pandemic settings), Ebola virus disease (EVD), and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). The recent national attention surrounding a fatal Lassa fever case in Iowa underscores the importance for EMS clinicians to stay informed about VHFs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of EMS strongly encourages EMS clinicians to familiarize themselves with VHFs, including where they occur, how they spread, what questions to ask patients, and how to protect themselves. The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC) provides guidance for the management of VHFs and has recently updated the MVD NETEC guidelines for EMS clinicians, in October 2024 to align with current CDC recommendations. These guidelines for EMS clinicians emphasize the "Identify, Isolate, and Inform" paradigm, previously used for diseases like Ebola and mpox. Review Guidelines Here Emergency responders are encouraged to learn the signs and symptoms of VHFs and to assess patients with travel-related questions when appropriate. While most EMS clinicians in the United States are unlikely to encounter a VHF case during routine operations, international outbreaks heighten the risk of encountering an infected patient who may have traveled from an affected region. EMS agencies serving areas with international ports of entry should be especially vigilant.

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

Register now for our upcoming National Rural Health Day webinar The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) invites you to celebrate National Rural Health Day on November 19 at 2 p.m. ET with a webinar highlighting the latest resources from CMS including reports and information on rural, tribal, and geographically isolated communities. We’ll also get to feature the work of a 2024 CMS Health Equity Awardee Augusta Health to improve health equity within the Shenandoah Valley. When: November 19 from 2 – 3 pm ET Where: Virtual webinar, please register Registration:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8e5JeFaiTfOH8sWvPKwsiQ#/registration We’re proud to have recognized Augusta Health as a 2024 CMS Health Equity Award winner for their work in helping to improve health care access in rural communities. Augusta Health is a non-profit, independent hospital serving communities of the Shenandoah Valley in Virgina. Since its launch in 2022, their Primary Care Mobile Clinic program has grown to 14 different sites every month including community centers, churches, fire houses, the mayor’s office, and homeless shelters. In one year, the program provided over 1,700 primary care visits for 825 patients at 17 different sites. Augusta Health’s Primary Care Mobile Clinic program illustrates the impact of community-driven interventions in addressing health disparities. Click here to register.   Paid for by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Dear Ground Ambulance Providers and Suppliers, We wanted you to be aware that we posted the following announcement on our Ambulances Services Center website: CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule CMS issued the CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule that announces finalized policy changes for Medicare payments under the PFS and other Medicare Part B payment policy issues, including ambulance services. For CY 2025, we proposed to modify the definition of advanced life support level two (ALS2) at § 414.605 by adding the administration of low titer O+ whole blood transfusion (WBT) to the list of ALS2 procedures. We also solicited comments on whether we should add alternative blood product treatments, such as the administration of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and plasma, to the list of ALS2 procedures. After consideration of public comments, and considering further that the indications for use, storage requirements, administration, monitoring, and training for the use of PRBCs and plasma are similar to those previously described for WBT, we are finalizing our proposal to modify the definition of ALS2 at §414.605 by adding the administration of prehospital blood transfusion (PHBT) which includes low titer O+ and O- whole blood transfusion therapy, PRBCs, plasma, or a combination of PRBCs and plasma. A ground ambulance transport that provides one of these PHBTs would itself constitute an ALS2 level transport.

IV Fluid Conservation Briefing and Supply Update On Monday, October 28th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hosted a briefing on intravenous fluid (IV) conservation best practices.  This session was recorded and is now available at the link below.  Up-to-date information on shortages related to Hurricane Helene’s impact on Baxter’s North Cove, NC, facility can be found on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Hurricane Helene webpage, as well as on Baxter’s website. View the Recording

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

The latest in a series of MAA roundtable events was held on Friday, Oct. 25 at Mayo Clinic Ambulance in Duluth.

A great crowd of local residents, EMTs, ambulance service providers, elected officials and staff were in attendance for the conversation. Panelists were MAA President Michael Juntunen, Cloquet Area Fire Chief Jesse Buhs, and Minnesota Rural Health Association Executive Director Mark Jones, with the discussion moderated by Kate Raddatz of McClung PR.

Topics included issues facing rural EMS, the role ground ambulance services play in the healthcare system, the impact recent state legislation has had, and recommendations for a sustainable future and continued, equitable access to care for all Minnesotans. Elected officials in attendance included State Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (HD 3B, Hermantown) and State Rep. Roger Skraba (HD 3A, Ely), as well as Jacob Warkentin from the office of Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-8). Media in attendance included WDIO-TV, Fox 21, and the Star Tribune Duluth bureau. Newly appointed director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services Dylan Ferguson was also there for the conversation.

The next MAA roundtable will be held in Dodge Center on Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 pm.