News from the Minnesota Office of EMS
Help Shape EMS Funding in Minnesota
— The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is seeking volunteers with EMS or related experience to serve as community grant reviewers. Reviewers will read and score up to 10 grant proposals in early November 2025—all done remotely. This grant opportunity provides funding for ambulance service training and staffing in Minnesota.
If you want to make a difference and be a part of the review team, apply by completing the OEMS grant reviewer interest form. For additional information, please review the Community Reviewer Invitation.
Silent Sacrifice Honor
— The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) has launched the Silent Sacrifice Honor during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to remember EMS professionals whose lives ended as a result of the unseen impacts of service, including trauma, addiction, and suicide. This new recognition stands alongside the Line-of-Duty Honor to ensure all EMS providers are remembered with dignity, while also raising awareness about mental health in the EMS community. Learn more about the Silent Sacrifice Honor and other recognition programs at https://mn.gov/oems/ems-providers/oems-recognition/.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, support is available.
📞 Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
🌐 Minnesota EMS Support: https://mn.gov/oems/ems-providers/emssupport
Cost Collection Survey 2025
— As outlined in the 2025 Cost Collection Memo (PDF) Minnesota law requires the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to collect financial data from all licensed ground ambulance services. The 2025 Cost Collection Survey is now open and must be completed by November 21, 2025. This year’s survey is hosted in Formstack and includes built-in instructions and definitions to guide you through the process. ➡️ Access the survey here.
If you have questions, please contact your assigned EMS Specialist or OEMS Director Dylan Ferguson at dylan.ferguson@state.mn.us.
New EMS Education Best Practice Announced
— OEMS recommends a 1:10 instructor-to-student ratio for EMS practical skills training to strengthen safety and instructional quality. Full policy details ›
Welcome Greg Wocken - Data Manager and Analyst
— OEMS is pleased to welcome Greg as our new Data Manager and Analyst. With decades of experience in data management and public service, Greg has served as a Medical Surge Planner and MNTrac System Administrator at MDH, and spent several years at ImageTrend building expertise in Elite, eLicense, and other EMS systems. We’re excited for the expertise and innovation he’ll bring to our data initiatives.
Welcome Dr. Pete Tanghe - Deputy Director of Medical Services
— OEMS is pleased to announce Dr. Pete Tanghe as our new Deputy Director of the Medical Services Division (State EMS Medical Director). Board certified in Emergency Medicine and EMS, Dr. Tanghe is a long-time advocate for high-quality prehospital care, EMS innovation, and the expanding role of community paramedics. We look forward to his leadership in advancing EMS across Minnesota.
Welcome Melanie Riddle - Grants and Financial Coordinator
— We’re thrilled to welcome Melanie Riddle to the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services as our new Grants and Financial Coordinator! Melanie brings over seven years of experience in public sector grants and finance, most recently supporting the Age-Friendly Minnesota initiative at the Department of Human Services. Her background includes managing complex funding programs and aligning fiscal strategy with community-focused goals—skills that will help strengthen EMS support across the state.
OEMS Provider Recognition Program Launches During EMS Week
The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services has launched the OEMS Provider Recognition Program to formally honor EMS professionals and partners who have made significant contributions to emergency medical services in Minnesota. Nominations are open to EMS agencies, peers, patients, family members, and the public. Click the link to submit a nomination or learn more! OEMS Provider Recognition Program.
Governor's Proclamation - May 18-25 is EMS Week in Minnesota
We are honored to share that Governor Walz has officially proclaimed May 18–25, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Minnesota. This proclamation acknowledges the essential role of EMS professionals and celebrates their dedication to public safety, health, and service. Thank you, Governor Walz, for recognizing the contributions of EMS across our state.
2025 Minnesota Legislative Session
The 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session gavels out on May 19. Watch this space for any final updates on legislation impacting EMS.
Retirement of Dave Rogers, Data Manager & Analyst
— Congratulations to Dave Rogers, who officially retired (again!) on May 7, 2025. Dave began his career in EMS in 1983 and has been a vital member of our OEMS team since 2019, serving as our Data Analyst and Compliance Data Manager. He played a key role in advancing EMS data systems, including Biospatial and the Hospital Hub. Beyond the spreadsheets, Dave is a world traveler, a long-time participant in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and truly one of the best teammates you could ask for. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.
Farewell to Angel Khang, Student Worker
— We also say goodbye and good luck to our incredible Student Worker, Angel Khang, whose time with us ended on May 9, 2025, as she completed her studies. Angel recently graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Political Science. During her time in the Compliance Section, she supported background checks and application reviews with professionalism and care. We’re grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
Welcome Tanya Armstrong – Compliance Supervisor
— Please join us in welcoming Tanya Armstrong to the Minnesota Office of EMS as our new Compliance Supervisor as of May 2025. Tanya brings nearly 12 years of law enforcement experience, including 7 years in a supervisory role. Her investigative expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to public service will be a valuable asset to our compliance section. We’re excited to have her on board!
Compliance Manuals Available
The Office of EMS has released newly updated compliance manuals for ambulance services and education programs. These manuals provide the most current guidance to support compliance with state requirements. Select the program below to view the appropriate manual.