About the Office of EMS
The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) regulates and supports emergency medical services (EMS) across the state. Our mission is to promote public health and safety by ensuring high-quality pre-hospital care, licensing EMS providers, and overseeing ambulance services.
OEMS Responsibilities
Through regulation, education, and support, OEMS works to ensure that Minnesota has a strong, reliable EMS system ready to serve communities in times of need.
- Licensing and regulating ambulance services and medical response units
- Certifying and registering EMS personnel, including EMTs, paramedics, and emergency medical responders
- Establishing service areas and coordinating EMS operations statewide
- Investigating complaints and enforcing compliance with EMS regulations
- Supporting education and training programs for EMS providers
- Managing grant programs to strengthen emergency medical services
- Reporting to the legislature on EMS system performance and improvement recommendations
Leadership & Structure
OEMS is led by a director, appointed by the governor, who oversees the office’s operations. The director enforces EMS laws, licenses ambulance services, certifies EMS personnel, and ensures emergency medical care meets state standards. The director also works with advisory councils to develop policies that improve Minnesota’s EMS system.
OEMS is organized into three divisions that work together under the guidance of the OEMS Director. These divisions—Emergency Medical Service Providers, Medical Services, and Ambulance Services—collaborate to ensure smooth coordination and provide strong support for EMS professionals and services across Minnesota.
- Medical Services Division – Oversees the clinical aspects of pre-hospital care, including medical standards, training programs, and protocols for EMS personnel. This division is supervised by a licensed physician.
- Ambulance Services Division – Manages the licensing and operation of ambulance services and medical response units. This division also oversees regional coordination and grant programs to improve emergency care access.
- Emergency Medical Service Providers Division – Handles certification and registration of EMS providers, ensures worker safety and well-being, and supports education and training programs. This division is also responsible for administering grants that provide resources and support to EMS providers across the state.
Advisory Councils
Three advisory councils provide guidance and recommendations to OEMS leadership:
