The 50th Annual North Dakota EMS Association Conference and Tradeshow was held April 9–11, 2026, in Bismarck, North Dakota. Thursday’s daytime sessions included pre-conference offerings ranging from Basic Skills and Human Anatomy to Human Trafficking and NCCR refreshers. Thursday evening featured the vendor preview and a bonus class presented by Howard Walth.
Friday morning started early, with several bonus sessions held at 7:00 a.m. Merchandise was a highlight of the conference, with special “50th” coins going on sale in the morning. Other items sold included cookbooks (produced and donated by Hannah Zaun), knives, cellphone holders, and hats. Door prizes were awarded throughout the conference. An EMS Museum was set up inside the vendor hall with exhibits being on display from several ambulance services. The museum featured many vintage and antique emergency care tools.
Mid-morning, the opening ceremony kicked off with the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus color guard presenting the colors and the Northern Lights Chorus singing the national anthem. Former President Rev. Brenton Higdem gave the opening prayer. President Cheryl Flick welcomed over 400 participants, 50 exhibition booths, and 20 speakers. Al Dohrmann, (Maj. Gen. Ret.), Chief Operating Officer, welcomed all attendees.
One of the special fundraisers this year was an ambulance service quilt, which was auctioned off during the opening ceremony. Next, Freedom House presenters William Raynovich and Mitchell Brown led the General Session—a deep dive into the origins of CPR and EMS. Pizza was served over the noon hour during the Service Leader Meeting. Classes continued into the afternoon, followed by the Table of Honor Ceremony and Closing Session. Thank you to North Dakota’s Emergency Preparedness & Response Team for sponsoring presenter Patty Stewart McCord’s Closing Session.
Friday evening, a social gathering was held at the Radisson Hotel before the ND EMS Association State of the Association Address and annual meeting.
The annual awards ceremony recognized the best in the state/region in their respective areas. The raffle ticket drawing paid off big for some, with Dan Schaffer winning the grand prize. Felica Sampson donated a beautiful set of cornhole boards; tickets were sold for a chance to win, with all proceeds going to the association. The night was capped off with a dance. Music was provided by Outsiders Entertainment.
Saturday was another early morning, with bonus sessions followed by regular sessions. With coffee always available, it was nice to see members networking and supporting each other. Mid-morning brought another surprise, as President Flick awarded Kyle Michels with the first-ever “Presidential Award” for his leadership and outstanding support to the association. By late afternoon, the vendors were packed up, the closing session had ended, and the final set of regular classes had begun. Board members were busy reading evaluations, packing up, and planning the whole event again for next year!
Thank you to the presenters, including SimND, Mary Waldo, Nicole Henning, Andrew Sailer, Seth Murray, Howard Walth, Alan Aarhus, Duane Ell, Chris Ebright, Chris Way, Corey Johnson, Janet Taylor, Douglas Hexel, Bill Young, Chettie Greer, Bryan Fleischman, Latimer Hoke, William Raynovich, Mitchell Brown, Patty Stewart McCord, Ron Lawler, Sean Roed, and friends, who brought great education to the participants. Thank you to all the vendors who came from all over the U.S. for the trade show. Thank you to the North Dakota Board of Nursing, the ND POST Board, the ND Department of Health Emergency Medical Systems Unit, sponsors, presenters, the Radisson staff, Bismarck–Mandan CVB, Roger Marks for doing the sound, and the Bismarck Event Center staff for the time put in to make this event a success. Most of all, thank you to our members and attendees. We hope to see you all next year (April 8–10, 2027)!
NDEMS ASSOCIATION 2026
Table of Honor
The Table of Honor was set for those who were unable to be with us for the annual conference. Each year we honor fellow emergency personnel who are no longer with us. The NDEMSA is proud to recognize the 2026 Table of Honorees.
SUE BACKER (Kensal, Courtenay, and Wimbledon
First Responders, Jamestown Ambulance Service and TracSide EMS)
ROBERT KLEIN (F M Ambulance Service)
LESLIE LENNICK (Oliver County Ambulance)
JAMEY KOAPKE (Oliver County Ambulance)
MARK SCHUTT (Oliver County Ambulance)
THANK YOUSponsors
ND EMS Foundation
Conference Sponsor
Bismarck-Mandan CVB Conference Sponsor Altru
Arrow Ambulance
Regions Hospital Burn Center
Metro Ambulance
Metro Ambulance
Ringdahl Ambulance
Sanford EMS Education
NDDOH Emergency Preparedness And Response Unit
Outsider Entertainment
United Printing
National Registry Of Emergency Medical Technicians
Zaun Rolloff
Drayton Volunteer Ambulance Service
94 Services Inc
Premier Specialty Vehicles
. Notepad Sponsor
Big Door Prize Sponsor
Big Door Prize Sponsor
Service Leader Meeting Sponsor
“Freedom House” Sponsor
“Freedom House” Sponsor
NCCR Preconference Sponsor
Closing Session Speaker Sponsor
Friday Night Entertainment
Certificate Sponsor
. Cash Bar Sponsor & Break Sponsor
Cookbook Sponsor
Event Sponsor
Big Door Prize Sponsor
. Service Leader Meeting
NDEMSA 2026Award Winners
(Foundation PresidentTammy Roehrich, Association PresidentCheryl Flick)
The NDEMSF DALE SEVERSON AWARD honors an individual who has made significant contributions in fostering the growth and development of the North Dakota EMS Foundation.
The 2026 NDEMSF Dale Severson Award was presented to NDEMSA President, Cheryl Flick of Bowdon Ambulance.
Flick was described as being an excellent supporter of the Foundation and a liaison between the Foundation and the Association creating a strong bond between each organization. Flick assists with the golf scramble and fishing tournament by helping to recruit teams, sponsors and working at each event, along with anything else that has been asked.
(Amber Koehler, Board Member Kyle Michels)
BRADLEY BURGUM LEADERSHIP AWARD recognizes an EMS leader who exemplifies Brad Burgum’s lifelong commitment to integrity, excellence in patient care, continuous learning, and compassionate, adaptable leadership.
The 2026 NDEMSF Bradley Burgum Leadership Award was presented to Amber Koehler of Billings County Ambulance.
Nominated by Krystal Thorndike, Koehler is an Advanced EMT with 12 years of service who is known for consistently compassionate, detail-oriented care and steady clinical judgment. Colleagues describe her as highly organized and self-motivated—someone who takes initiative, supports team readiness, and quietly mentors newer providers with patience and professionalism.
Koehler’s service is deeply rooted in her community. Before joining full-time, she volunteered for years and continues an EMS legacy reflected in her family’s long-standing commitment to helping others. She is recognized for followup care that extends beyond the call—checking in on patients, supporting recovery, and staying engaged through community boards, committees, and events.
(Danielle Peppard)
PROVIDER
OF THE YEAR AWARD honors an EMR or EMT who has gone above and beyond in dedicating their time, energy, and passion to improving prehospital care and supporting EMS education within their community and across the state.
The 2026 NDEMSA BLS Provider of the Year was presented to Danielle Peppard of Mohall Ambulance Service.
Nominated by Michele Helming, Peppard has served with Mohall Ambulance for 10 years and is recognized as a trusted, reliable EMT who contributes extensive call time in Mohall and at the Lansford substation. Her colleagues cite exceptional professionalism, strong patient-care skills, and a consistent willingness to help wherever needed.
Peppard is also a key driver of community outreach—helping plan and staff events such as Bike Rodeo, Stop the Bleed trainings, blood drives, and health fairs, and providing EMS coverage at local sporting events. During a state legion baseball tournament, she was among the responders who initiated rapid CPR and defibrillation after a player became unresponsive, helping save the young man’s life.
(Vice President-Kientopf, Ken Krupich, President Flick)
The ALS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD honors an AEMT or Paramedic who goes above and beyond in serving their community. It recognizes someone who dedicates significant personal time to improving prehospital care and supporting EMS education across North Dakota.
The 2026 NDEMSA ALS Provider of the Year was presented to Ken Krupich of Ringdahl EMS.
Nominated by Joshua Homiston, Krupich brings 35 years of EMS service and currently serves as General Manager for Ringdahl EMS, overseeing operations that include First Medic Ambulance, Jamestown Area Ambulance, Casselton Ambulance, Kindred Area Ambulance Service, and additional Ringdahl services in Minnesota. He is credited with leading a comprehensive overhaul of clinical protocols to ensure providers are equipped with strong medications, procedures, and best-practice guidance—driven by a commitment that “each and every patient deserves the best possible experience, provider and care.”
In addition to operational leadership, Krupich is widely recognized for building the next generation of EMS professionals through teaching and mentorship. He has devoted countless hours to instruction across ACLS, PALS, CPR, EVOC, and multiple certification programs, while also supporting emergency preparedness efforts through local and state committees. His service includes major incident and disaster response, including the 2009 flood response and deployments supporting hurricane-impacted communities.
(Belcourt Ambulance )
The REGIONAL SERVICE OF THE YEAR AWARD recognizes an EMS service in each region that demonstrates exceptional professionalism and dedication to its community. It honors an organization that has made a significant impact on improving prehospital care and supporting EMS education.
The 2026 NDEMSA Northwest Regional EMS Service of the Year was presented to Belcourt Ambulance Service.
Nominated by Chris DuBois, Belcourt Ambulance Service is recognized for going above and beyond to ensure timely emergency response for the community it serves. Despite a small core team of four full-time staff, the service works diligently—supplementing coverage with contractors as needed—to keep operations running smoothly while providing compassionate, patientfocused care.
The 2026 NDEMSA Southwest Regional EMS Service of the Year was presented to Metro Ambulance Service. (No photo)
Nominated by Jessica West, Metro Ambulance is recognized for consistent, patient-centered emergency response delivered with professionalism, compassion, and teamwork across a wide range of conditions. The organization’s members are noted for dependable service and a commitment to excellence in both emergency incidents and broader community needs.
Beyond day-to-day operations, Metro Ambulance supports training opportunities, continuing education, and skill development for its team and surrounding agencies. By encouraging professional growth and maintaining strong training standards, the service helps strengthen the broader EMS system throughout the region.
The 2026 NDEMSA Southeast Regional EMS Service of the Year was presented to Oakes Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Nominated by Michael Sandy, OVAS is recognized for more than five decades of service and leadership in southeastern North Dakota. The service has provided ALS support to outlying squads when available, invested in innovative equipment and cutting-edge treatment, and maintains a fleet of three ambulances while responding to more than 400 calls each year.
OVAS also stands out for its long-running commitment to EMS education, providing EMT and EMR training across a wide area since 1994 and serving as a training center for North Dakota EMT programs and American Heart Association CPR. The organization is a familiar presence at community events—supporting school and public-safety partnerships, providing standby coverage for home football games, and participating in annual celebrations such as Irrigation Days.
The EMS SERVICE OF THE YEAR AWARD honors an EMS service that shows exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment to its community. It recognizes an organization that has made a meaningful impact on strengthening prehospital care and advancing EMS education across the state.
The 2026 North Dakota EMS Service of the Year was presented to Oakes Volunteer Ambulance Service.
The REGIONAL RISING STAR AWARD honors a new EMR or EMT who is quickly emerging as a strong contributor in prehospital care in each region. It recognizes someone with less than three years of experience who shows rapid growth, strong skills, and a willingness to take on extra responsibility.
The 2026 Northwest Rising Star was presented to Joel Shaffett of Tioga Ambulance Service.
Nominated by Erin Sundhagen, Shaffett has completed his first year of EMS service while serving as a local police officer in Tioga. He pursued EMT training after joining the department, completed the Spring 2025 course through Jamestown EMS Education in partnership with Tioga Ambulance Service, and quickly emerged as a strong leader and motivator among classmates and squad members.
As a law enforcement first responder, Shaffett frequently arrives before the ambulance and is credited with providing efficient initial care and clear radio communication that supports better patient outcomes. In December 2025, he was first on scene for a pediatric cardiac/respiratory arrest, initiating immediate CPR and helping set the stage for rapid transport and advanced airway management. He has also advocated for expanded medical education in regional law enforcement, encouraging and helping form an EMR class of 13 officers to strengthen care when EMS response times are extended.
(President Flick and Joel Shaffett)
(Mike Sandy, Oakes Ambulance)
The 2026 Southwest Rising Star was presented to Dustin Gomez of Dickinson Fire Department.
Nominated by Dillon Brock, Gomez has completed his first year of EMS service with the Dickinson Fire Department, where he attended EMT coursework as part of his academy training and now serves as a Firefighter/EMT. He is recognized for strong clinical growth early in his career, a calm approach in high-stress situations, and a consistent focus on positive patient outcomes.
Colleagues describe Gomez as compassionate and attentive—taking time to listen, explain, and reassure patients during vulnerable moments. He actively seeks feedback from partners and field training officers and applies it to improve performance. He is also noted for being consistently prepared, taking pride in ambulance readiness, and contributing positively to crew teamwork and station professionalism.
The 2026 Southeast Rising Star was presented to Tammy Cox of First Medic of Ransom County.
Nominated by Tabatha Mahlstedt, Cox has seven months of EMS service and brings a long-standing commitment to healthcare through nearly 23 years at her local hospital, where she serves as an outpatient/trauma coordinator and supports multiple departments as needed. She returned to school to earn her EMT license while working full time—often balancing 16-hour days— demonstrating dedication, resilience, and a drive to serve in the prehospital setting.
Cox is recognized as a team-first provider who seeks answers, learns the details of ambulance operations, and supports coworkers after difficult calls. She is also known for compassion in action—providing comfort items to patients and families, volunteering at community events, and teaching public education topics such as falls prevention and Stop the Bleed. Her peers cite her steady encouragement and willingness to put others first as hallmarks of her early EMS career.
(left
The REGIONAL SIREN AWARD honors an EMS driver who is not licensed above the EMR level and consistently goes above and beyond in their service in each region. It recognizes someone who demonstrates exceptional professionalism and a strong commitment to EMS.
The 2026 Northwest Siren was presented to Travis Lesmeister of Tioga Ambulance Service.
Nominated by Erin Sundhagen, Lesmeister has 12 years of service and is recognized for his commitment to Tioga Fire & Ambulance. When off from his full-time job in the oil industry, he frequently takes call for long-distance transfers—an essential need for the department—and is credited with steady, safe driving regardless of weather or patient acuity.
Beyond driving, Lesmeister is known for routinely spending time at the hall to keep rigs and facilities in top condition—working on vehicles, washing equipment, and looking for ways to improve response overall. His commitment and familiarity within the community help put patients at ease from the moment he arrives on scene.
(Dustin Gomez)
(Tammy Cox)
to right Charles Dehoff, Tioga Squad Member, Tara Gouveia)
The 2026 Southwest Siren was presented to Tara Gouveia of Oliver County Ambulance
Nominated by Mickie McNulty-Eide, Gouveia has completed her first year of service with Oliver County Ambulance. She began as a CPR driver in January 2025 and quickly proved herself during challenging early calls, then pursued EMR training to better support care providers as a driver.
Gouveia is credited with stepping up when driver coverage was short— volunteering for shifts on weekdays and weekends, covering for others, and supporting transfer needs, including a round trip transfer to Grand Forks completed in under 12 hours. Colleagues also recognize her for helping with fundraisers and projects, and for a pleasant, caring presence that strengthens the team.
The 2026 Southeast Siren was presented to Charles Dehoff of Cooperstown Ambulance Service.
Nominated by Shayla Charette, Dehoff has more than 10 years of service and is recognized for extraordinary commitment to his team and community. Colleagues credit him with routinely contributing more than 200 on-call hours each month and for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps operations running—maintaining equipment, organizing supplies, refilling oxygen, and ensuring ambulances are ready to respond.
Dehoff is also recognized for bringing calm, compassion, and reassurance to patient encounters, serving as a steady advocate for those in need. His quiet dedication and reliability, colleagues say, embody the true spirit of rural EMS.
The DISTINGUISHED PROVIDER AWARD honors EMS providers who have maintained certification for at least 25 consecutive years and shown long-term dedication to serving their community.
The 2026 Northwest Rising Star was presented to Joel Shaffett of Tioga Ambulance Service.
The 2026 Distinguished Provider Award(s) were presented to James Johnsrud (McKenzie County Ambulance), Laurie Thompson (Oliver County Ambulance), Nathan Germundson (Tioga Ambulance) and Julie Zellmer (Aneta Ambulance).
Nominated by Tana Hinricksen, Johnsrud has 30 years of EMS service and is recognized for a career-long commitment to the McKenzie County Ambulance Service (MCAS) and the people it serves. After starting in fire service, he advanced through every level of prehospital care, earning a reputation as a skilled and dedicated provider and student—often nicknamed “Doc” for his knowledge and professionalism.
Today, Johnsrud serves as Administrator for MCAS, leading with pride, dignity, and respect. Colleagues describe his guiding principle as “The community comes first,” noting that he responds without hesitation, mentors providers, and treats every patient like family. His leadership and compassion have strengthened rural emergency care and set a standard that continues to inspire the broader EMS community.
(left to right Julie Zellmer, Laurie Thompson, James Johnsrud, Nathan Germundson)
Nominated by Mickie McNulty-Eide, Thompson has 31 years of service with Oliver County Ambulance. Since beginning as a First Responder in 1995 and quickly advancing through EMT training, she has served in multiple leadership roles—including Squad Leader, Secretary, and Training Officer—and is credited with strengthening the squad during key transitions, supporting the purchase of a new ambulance, and creating engaging training that helped members build skills and confidence.
Even after moving out of the county, Thompson continues to take call when extra help is needed and has recently stepped up to help as a driver as well. Colleagues also cite her creativity and willingness to support fundraising and community outreach in any way she can.
Nominated by Erin Sundhagen, Germundson has 25 years of service with Tioga Fire and Ambulance. He currently serves as department president and remains active in responding to both fire and ambulance calls. Colleagues describe him as an experienced leader who willingly steps back to let new members and students perform skills and participate on calls—prioritizing learning opportunities even during late-night responses.
Germundson’s service extends beyond the call. He has organized and led the Tioga Fire Department Fireman’s Carnival since 2011, a major fundraising effort supporting operations. As a local business owner, he donates to the department and community, and he has served on multiple community boards and commissions while supporting his family and remaining active in rural fire leadership.
Nominated by Zellmer, she has 33 years of service, earning National Registry EMT certification on March 11, 1993. She served with Northwood Ambulance from 1993 to 2001 and, after moving to Aneta, continued her commitment by volunteering with the Aneta Ambulance Service—now the Aneta Quick Response Unit—where she serves as an EMT and Training Officer.
Zellmer has been an American Heart Association BLS CPR instructor since 1985 and complements her EMS experience with a career in healthcare, including Licensed Practical Nurse work and, later, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Dakota. She also takes pride in an ongoing family tradition of service, with both of her children earning EMT certification and continuing to volunteer in their communities.
The PRESIDENTIAL AWARD is awarded at the discretion of the president to one person who has went above and beyond showing unwavering commitment to the Association. This award is given one time by the president during his or her time as president.
The first ever NDEMSA Presidential Award was awarded to Kyle Michels of Billings County Ambulance.
President Cheryl Flick described Michels as hardworking, motivated, and elevating. He strives for excellence, pushing those around him to achieve more. He reminds leadership to take things “one step at a time” and that “change is for the better.” Whether he is attending task force sessions, think tank meetings, or creating top-of-the-line social media posts, Michels is constantly pushing EMS into the future. His drive and knowledge make him deserving of this award, but his effort and commitment truly make a difference.
(Kyle Michels)
WINNING MOMENTS: Door Prize Recap
Another year is in the books, and what a success it was. The annual statewide EMS training conference once again brought together dedicated professionals from across the region for education, networking, and collaboration. Events like this continue to thrive thanks to the generosity of sponsors, vendors, and the strong support of attendees. Their contributions not only enhance the experience but also strengthen the EMS community as a whole.
The conference officially kicked off Thursday evening with a vendor preview held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This opening event provided attendees with an opportunity to connect with industry partners and explore the latest products and services supporting emergency medical care. The evening also featured several sponsored giveaways. The NDEMS Foundation awarded a Blackstone 22-inch griddle with hood and accessories to Michael Sandy. Sanford Health EMS Education contributed two prizes: a portable sprocket printer, won by Marcelle Grosz, and a personal mini refrigerator, awarded to Lynette Johnston.
Friday proved to be a full and engaging day, highlighted by multiple prize drawings and continued educational sessions. During the 9:00 a.m. drawings, Regions Hospital sponsored an Igloo cooler, which was won by Lean Batzer. Sanford Health EMS Education continued their support with two additional prizes: a portable projector, won by Krista Peterson, and a portable recharge bank, awarded to Melinda Neff. Additional contributions included earphones from Sanford Air Medical, won by Andrea Enderle; a digital medical alert bracelet from HeroLink, awarded to Daryl Kunze; and a gift bag from Northland Community and Technical College, won by Lori van Gorkom.
Further prizes included a $50 Scheels gift card from Altru Care Flight, won by Danielle Peppard, and a Ninja pizza oven from Arrow Ambulance, awarded to Joe Lies. The final prizes of the day, sponsored by Bismarck Air Medical, included a 36-inch Blackstone griddle won by Charles Dehoff and a $50 gift card awarded to Alec Roth.
Friday evening concluded with the highly anticipated 50/50 raffle drawing. Winners included:
• 6th place ($500): Vicki Berreth
• 5th place ($1,000): Ryan Zimmerman (Williston)
• 4th place ($1,000): Catherine Nerison (Aneta)
• 3rd place ($5,000): Nick Richter (Goodrich)
• 2nd place ($7,500): Dave Flick (Chaseley)
• 1st place ($10,000): Dan Schaffer (Bismarck)
Saturday continued the momentum with additional sessions and prize opportunities. During the morning break, Sanford Health EMS Education sponsored a vibration plate, won by Shawn Kurle, and a towel warmer, awarded to Lynette Johnston. NDEMSA and 94 Services, Inc. partnered to provide rocker chairs and a set of mugs, won by Kia Hiller. Sanford Air Medical contributed a 32-inch television, awarded to Brian Bradley, while Northland Community and Technical College sponsored another gift bag, won by Ron Olson.
Additional winners included Andrea Enderle, who received a Bluetooth speaker and t-shirt from Altru Ambulance and Care Flight; Lisa Bean, who won a $50 Amazon gift card sponsored by Bismarck Air Medical; and Katy Susterick, who received a gift bag from Bismarck State College. A Fire TV, sponsored by Metro Area Ambulance, was awarded to Nancy Theurer.
The conference concluded with a final noon drawing sponsored by NDEMSA. A bucket golf game and two clubs were awarded to Yolanda Karas, closing out the event on a high note.
This year’s conference once again demonstrated the strength and commitment of the EMS community. From educational sessions to vendor engagement and generous prize sponsorships, every element contributed to a meaningful and memorable experience.
A sincere thank you goes out to all vendors for their continued support and to every attendee who participated. Your involvement is what makes this annual training not only possible, but successful year after year.
2026 FIRST RESPONDER NIGHT
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OUT AT THE BALLPARK
Bismarck Larks vs. Badlands Big sticks
PIZZA RANCH BLEACHER TICKETS
Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your ticket today!
Tickets are $15 courtesy of the ND EMS Foundation. $5 of each ticket will go back to the foundation to help with scholarships toward training other first responders! Scan the QR code to claim yours!
JULY 11TH, 2026
6:05 PM (GATES OPEN AT 5:05 PM)
Bismarck Municipal Ballpark
ABOUT THE GAME NIGHT
Get ready to hit the jackpot with your group outing. Come out to the Larks First Responder night where we you can participate in our parade of heroes before the game!
Our in-game entertainment will also be related to first responders and the work you do in our communities! We are so excited to have you there!
RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION: A RARE OPPORTUNITY EMS CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS
By R. Adam Parker
The Rural Health Transformation Program grants North Dakota $199 million in Year One of a five-year, $500 million federal commitment. For EMS, this is either the most significant funding opportunity in a generation or another program that transforms everything around us while leaving the workforce crisis untouched. How it unfolds depends on decisions being made right now.
Where This Money Comes From
Congress created the Rural Health Transformation Program through Section 71401 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, authorizing $50 billion nationally over federal fiscal years 2026 through 2030, administered by CMS. Funds flow to states, not directly to providers. North Dakota submitted a Rural Health Transformation Plan to CMS and has been authorized $199 million for Year One, to be distributed primarily through a competitive grant process managed by ND HHS. Future-year funding is not guaranteed — CMS will assess Year One performance before confirming subsequent allocations. The pressure to move quickly and show results is real.
Equipment Matters — Up to a Point
The early emphasis on equipment purchases is understandable and, frankly, warranted. Capital equipment expensive, and only increasing in difficulty for rural EMS agencies to fund through normal operating budgets. Many of our services are still running cardiac monitors that were purchased through Helmsley Charitable Trust grants years ago — monitors that are now outdated, increasingly difficult to service, and overdue for replacement. Telehealth infrastructure that would allow rural crews to connect patients with physicians in real time is promising for some services, but difficult to justify based on the costs and lack of infrastructure. These are legitimate needs, and RHTP funding is a rare opportunity to address them.
The Department is also working under a spending deadline that makes equipment attractive from a program management standpoint. North Dakota is required by federal law to commit funds by the end of October 2026 and fully expend them by October 30, 2027. Equipment may be easier to procure and deliver within that window in a way that complex workforce programs often cannot. We understand why administrators reach
for capital expenditures first when they are managing a compressed timeline with federal compliance obligations attached.
One problem is, as of this writing, the planning conversations that have occurred publicly have focused heavily on what to buy, with comparatively little discussion of how to staff whatever gets purchased. An ambulance without a crew is expensive inventory. A cardiac monitor without a paramedic trained to interpret what it displays does not save a patient. Telehealth infrastructure without clinical personnel on both ends of the connection is a technology solution without a use case. Equipment investment is necessary. Equipment investment without a corresponding commitment to workforce is incomplete — and in the long run, it may not be sustainable. A recent survey by the Association showed several ambulance services were unsure if they would be in operation in one year. This underscores the urgency in addressing workforce now, not just in subsequent years of the RHTP.
Workforce Funding Is Available — But Hard to Access
The RHTP structure does include workforce as a stated priority, and grants exist to support credentialing, training, and skills development for current rural health care workers, including EMS personnel. But the current grant structure was not designed with small rural EMS agencies in mind, and competing for these opportunities requires administrative capacity that most rural services simply do not have. The Association is advocating for a dedicated EMS workforce grant — one targeted at the recruitment and retention strategies that are proven to work in rural areas.
The Upcoming Survey is Your Voice in the Process
ND HHS will be conducting a survey of EMS agencies to assess the needs of individual services and inform how future funding is allocated. This is a meaningful opportunity, and the Association encourages every agency to treat it that way.
Before you fill it out, take the time to think carefully about what it will actually take for your service to be sustainable five years from now. If the answer is people — recruitment support, retention incentives, training
capacity, clinical leadership development — say that clearly and specifically. If your service is running outdated equipment that puts your crews and patients at risk – say that and describe what equipment you need. If the honest answer is that your service cannot sustain independent operations without structural changes to how it is organized or funded, say that too.
Vague answers produce vague policy. This survey is one of the few direct inputs your service will have into how $199 million — and potentially $500 million over five years — gets allocated. Answer it like it matters, because it does.
The Association Is Advocating for EMS
The North Dakota EMS Association is actively engaged in the RHTP process and will continue to advocate for funding allocations that reflect the actual needs of rural EMS — including, and especially, workforce. We recognize that the Department is navigating a genuinely difficult set of constraints: a federal deadline, a program that is still being built, and enormous pressure to demonstrate results in Year One. We are not critical of the effort. We are advocating for the outcome.
Equipment and workforce are not competing priorities — they are complementary ones. But the sequencing matters. A well-equipped service with no one to staff it is not a rural health care solution. The Association will continue to make that case, and we will keep members informed as the program develops. Watch for updates, respond to the survey, and reach out to the Association if you have questions about how this funding may affect your service.
HONORING EXCELLENCE: NDEMSA UPDATES AWARDS PROGRAM FOR 2026-2027
Recognizing excellence in emergency medical services has always been at the heart of the North Dakota EMS Association Awards Program. As the program continues to evolve, its mission remains the same: honoring the dedicated professionals and services that go above and beyond every day to care for their communities.
The Awards Program was created for two important reasons. First and foremost, NDEMSA believes it is essential to recognize outstanding and meritorious service across the EMS profession. Every day, providers across North Dakota demonstrate exceptional commitment, compassion, leadership, and sacrifice. The awards program provides an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and organizations whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes but has a lasting impact on patients, families, and communities.
Secondly, the program serves as an important tool for public education and awareness. By highlighting the accomplishments and dedication of EMS professionals, NDEMSA helps communities better understand the critical role EMS plays throughout the state. Sharing these stories shines a light on the heroes of the profession and the tremendous effort required to ensure high-quality emergency medical services are available when people need them most.
For the 2026-2027 awards cycle, NDEMSA has introduced an important update to the regional awards process. Regional nomination deadlines will now occur at different times throughout the year, allowing award recipients to be recognized during their respective regional events.
Updated Nomination Deadlines
• Southeast (SE) and Southwest (SW) Regional Awards: August 15
• Northeast (NE) and Northwest (NW) Regional Awards: November 15
• State Awards and Table of Honor: February 15
These adjustments are designed to improve recognition opportunities and ensure recipients can be honored closer to their local communities and peers.
NDEMSA encourages EMS leaders, coworkers, agencies, and community members to take the time to nominate deserving individuals and services. A thoughtful nomination not only recognizes excellence but also helps tell the story of EMS across North Dakota.
State and table of honor nomination forms will be added this fall. Regional award nomination forms are now available for all regional awards at: https://ndemsa.org/Regional-Awards/. Nominate today!
DALE SEVERSON MEMORIAL
Fessenden Country Club, 1675 County Rd 1, Fessenden, ND
The 18-Hole golf scramble consists of a maximum of (18) 4-member teams, non-handicap with a shotgun start.
For income tax purposes, membership dues paid to the North Dakota EMS Association (NDEMSA) are deductible as a business or trade expense. However, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 162 (e) and Section 6033 (e) certain lobbying and political expenses are NOT deductible and information concerning their non-deductibility must be communicated by tax-exempt organizations to their members. In compliance with these requirements, you are hereby notified that NDEMSA estimates it has or will spend 50% of your dues on these activities and that amount is therefore not tax deductible. We advise all members to consult their tax advisor if they have any questions.
IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS
• Election Voting June 1st-15th, 2026
• Certification of Election Results by June 20th, 2026
• Executive Board Meeting June 24th, 2026 in Cooperstown
• ND EMS Foundation Dale Severson Golf Tournament – June 13th, 2026 in Fessenden
• Bismarck Larks’ First Responder Baseball Game- July 11th, 2026
• ND EMS Foundation Tom Nehring Memorial Fishing Tournament – August 7-8th, 2026 at Van Hook (New Town)
