Ambulance Services Advisory Council

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council helps guide the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to ensure high-quality emergency care across the state. The council advises the OEMS Director and Deputy Director of Ambulance Services by giving recommendations, but it does not make policy decisions. The council operates under a charter that outlines its role and responsibilities.

Purpose & Responsibilities

Advisory Councils Purpose

Council Membership

The EMS Advisory Council includes professionals and community representatives who contribute expertise and perspective on EMS operations in Minnesota. Members represent:

EMS Advisory Council

EMS Providers & Fire Associations – Includes an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a paramedic from licensed ambulance services.
Medical & Healthcare Leadership – Features a licensed ambulance service medical director and a certified flight nurse.
Public Safety & Healthcare – Includes a firefighter/EMR, a hospital administrator, and a social worker.
Community Representatives – A member of a federally recognized Tribal Nation and three public members (including one from outside the Twin Cities metro).
Local/State Government & Labor – Representatives from an EMS employee organization, local governments (Greater Minnesota & Twin Cities metro), and state legislative members.
State Leadership – The commissioners of health and public safety (or their designees) serve as ex officio members.


Current EMS Advisory Council Members

EMS & Fire Associations

  • Minnesota Ambulance Association (MAA): Paul Drucker (Chair) (term ends 1/3/2028)
  • Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association (MPFA) & MAA: Lacey Slayden (term ends 1/4/2027)
  • National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), MN Chapter: Dr. Aaron Klassen (term ends 1/3/2028)
  • Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA): Erik Jankila (term ends 1/4/2027)

Healthcare & Social Work

  • EMS Regions (Joint): Alexis Jahnz-Miles (term ends 1/3/2028)
  • Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA): Kelly Spratt (term ends 1/4/2027)
  • Board of Social Work: Heidi Holmes (term ends 1/3/2028)

Government & Public Representatives

  • Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC): Cyndy Milda (term ends 1/3/2028)
  • Public Representative: Michael Allshouse (term ends 1/1/2029)
  • Public Representative: David Berg (term ends 1/1/2029)
  • Public Representative: Lisa Rogers (Vice-Chair) (term ends 1/1/2029)
  • EMS Employee Organization: Shane Hallow (term ends 1/4/2027)

City & State Legislative Representatives

  • Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities: Holly Wallace (term ends 1/4/2027)
  • League of Minnesota Cities: Kim Keller (term ends 1/3/2028)
  • DFL House: John Huot (term ends 1/4/2027)
  • Republican House: Jeff Backer (term ends 1/4/2027)
  • DFL Senate: Judy Seeberger (term ends 1/1/2029)
  • Republican Senate: Vacant

State Agency Departments

  • Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): Tim Held (term ends 1/4/2027)
  • Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS): Vacant

Shaping the Future of EMS in Minnesota

By providing expert insight and recommendations, the EMS Advisory Council supports the work of OEMS leadership in strengthening emergency medical services across Minnesota. While the council does not make policy decisions, its collaborative efforts help ensure high standards of care for patients and strong support for EMS professionals.