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    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)
    • Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association (MPFA) & MAA: Lacey Slayden
    • National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), MN Chapter: Dr. Aaron Klassen
    • Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA): Erik Jankila

    Healthcare & Social Work

    • EMS Regions (Joint): Alexis Jahnz
    • Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA): Vacant
    • Board of Social Work: Heidi Holmes

    Government & Public Representatives

    • Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC): Cyndy Milda
    • Public Representative: Michael Allshouse
    • Public Representative: David Berg
    • Public Representative: Lisa Rogers (Vice-Chair)
    • EMS Employee Organization: Shane Hallow

    City & State Legislative Representatives

    • Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities: Holly Wallace
    • League of Minnesota Cities: Kim Keller
    • DFL House: John Huot
    • Republican House: Vacant
    • DFL Senate: Vacant
    • Republican Senate: Vacant

    State Agency Departments

    • Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): Tim Held
    • 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.

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