National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC)
The National EMS Advisory Council was established in April 2007 as a nationally recognized council of EMS representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the Department of Transportation, and to the members of the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS).
NEMSAC provides a forum for the development, consideration and communication of information from a knowledgeable and independent perspective. NEMSAC does not exercise program management or regulatory development responsibilities and makes no decisions directly affecting the programs for which it provides advice.
NEMSAC Meetings
Public meetings of NEMSAC are held virtually throughout the year. Meetings of the council are open to the public. Sign up for emails about upcoming NEMSAC meetings and other NEMSAC news. Questions about NEMSAC meetings should be sent to Clary Mole at clary.mole@dot.gov or 202-366-2795.
Meeting agendas, minutes and working group updates as well as NEMSAC recommendations are available for meetings from 2009 to the present.
Upcoming Meeting
Join the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) for its upcoming virtual meeting:
May 20, 2026 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
Agenda topics:
New representative introductions
Informational sessions
Updates on NHTSA initiatives
Strategic planning
NEMSAC Advisories and Recommendations
NEMSAC is authorized by Congress to make recommendations related to the nation’s EMS system to NHTSA and the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS. Advisories are drafted by one of the council’s standing committees or by ad hoc committees created to address specific needs. The entire council then votes to approve an advisory as final.
NEMSAC meets throughout the year in open, public meetings to deliberate on specific policy issues affecting EMS systems across the nation. The Council has six standing committees that draft advisories and recommendations for the full Council’s consideration. Final advisories contain several recommendations for NHTSA and the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS).
Current NEMSAC Members
The NEMSAC comprises representatives from 25 sectors of the EMS profession. Members are appointed by the United States Secretary of Transportation for two-year terms.
While the NEMSAC statute provides for 25 positions to ensure comprehensive representation across the EMS sector, the committee’s charter fully authorizes it to begin its work with the current 24 members.
Below are the latest appointments and the areas of the EMS community they represent.
Air Medical EMS
Keith McMinn, MA
Keith McMinn, MA, is a highly accomplished emergency medical services leader currently serving as the Senior Director of Life Lion at Penn State Health, where he oversees comprehensive ground and air medical operations across an eight-county region. With over three decades of experience, his career includes 25 years with the Maryland State Police, where he rose to the rank of Captain/Commander and led the state’s aviation medevac program. McMinn’s background is deeply rooted in public safety and education, having served as an instructor at Johns Hopkins University and a federal law enforcement task force member in the capital region following the September 11th attacks. He holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. A dual-licensed FAA private and remote pilot and a nationally registered paramedic, he also contributes to the field through various advisory roles, including the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council and the Clinical Standards Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on Air Medical Quality and Safety.
Consumers
Anthony "Tony" Bledsoe, MPHA
Anthony "Tony" Bledsoe, MPHA, is a seasoned healthcare administrator and highway safety expert currently serving as a Program Manager for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), where he leads statewide initiatives focused on post-crash care, rural road safety and impaired driving prevention. With over a decade of experience in trauma system regulation, he previously served for nine years as the Trauma Program Administrator for the Washington State Department of Health, overseeing the designation and evaluation of over 100 trauma facilities. His diverse background also includes serving as the Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Community Health Systems and contributing to national research as a panel member for the Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program. Mr. Bledsoe holds a master’s degree in health policy and administration from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Eastern Washington University. His professional contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including his induction into the Upsilon Phi Delta Honors Society and receiving the 2013 Friends of Eastern State Hospital Volunteer of the Year Award.
Data Management Officials
Juan Phillip Mejias, BAAS, LP, FAEMS
Juan Phillip Mejias, BAAS, LP, FAEMS, is an accomplished EMS leader and educator with over 14 years of experience across air medical, urban and rural emergency settings. He currently serves as a Customer Success Manager at ESO, where he leverages data analytics to help agencies nationwide achieve strategic quality goals and acts as the Executive Director for the Washington Chapter of the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP). His extensive background includes serving as the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program Manager for Thurston County Medic One, where he managed a $14.8 million budget and as a Quality Management Specialist for UTSW/Dallas Fire, where he developed comprehensive data-driven quality management systems and cardiac arrest dashboards. A recognized national contributor to the profession, Juan has served as Co-Chair for both the NAEMSP Research and Education Committees and has developed numerous pre-conference courses on topics ranging from mental wellness to advanced ventilator management. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management and is currently pursuing a master’s in healthcare administration at the University of California San Francisco.
Emergency Management Officials
Dustin Calhoun, MD, FAEMS
Dustin J. Calhoun, MD, FAEMS, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Associate Director of the Division of EMS at the University of Cincinnati. Board-certified in both emergency and EMS medicine, he serves as the Medical Director for the Cincinnati Fire Department and several suburban and rural agencies, while also providing tactical medical support for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County SWAT teams. Dr. Calhoun is a deeply integrated emergency management practitioner, holding an Ohio Certified Emergency Manager qualification and serving as the Chief Medical Preparedness Officer for the University of Cincinnati and Medical Director for Emergency Management for UC Health. His extensive experience in large-scale disaster response includes serving as a regional incident commander during the COVID-19 pandemic for the establishment of a 500-bed alternative care site. A Fellow of the Academy of EMS and an active member of the "Eagles" Metropolitan Medical Directors Global Alliance, he also contributes to national and state-level preparedness as a clinical advisor to regional health system collaboratives and a member of the Ohio Department of Health Medical Advisory Board.
Emergency Nurses
Teresa Windham, MBA/HA, BSN, RN, NREMT, CHP
Teresa Windham, MBA/HA, BSN, RN, NREMT, CHP, is a highly experienced healthcare leader currently serving as the State EMS Director and Director of the Office of EMS and Acute Care Systems at the Mississippi State Department of Health. In this role, she oversees the state's Emergency Medical Services, Trauma, STEMI and Stroke Systems of Care, collaborating with diverse academic, community and rural healthcare institutions. With a career spanning over three decades, Windham has held a wide range of positions including frontline nursing in the CV ICU, management and educator roles. She is a dedicated advocate for professional engagement, having served as the President of the Mississippi Emergency Nurses Association and a member of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. Windham holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University and a BSN from South University and she maintains credentials as both a registered nurse and a nationally registered EMT. Recognized for her visionary leadership, she has received numerous accolades including the CNO Visionary Award from Baptist Memorial Healthcare and being nominated for Nurse of the Year by the Mississippi Nurses Association.
Emergency Physicians
Jerry Allison, MD, MSH, FAAFP, FAAEP, CPE
Dr. Jerry A. Allison, MD, MSH, FAAFP, FAAEP, CPE, is a distinguished physician executive and EMS leader with over 35 years of progressive experience across local, state, federal and international emergency medical systems. Starting his career as a paramedic, he has advanced through significant leadership roles, including serving as the EMS Director for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Chief Medical Consultant for the California EMS Authority. Currently, Dr. Allison serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Western Healthcare, where he leads clinical strategy and national oversight for mobile anesthesia and integrated care models. A pioneer in Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), he previously directed Molina Healthcare of Texas’ MIH program, focusing on innovative population health initiatives to reduce preventable hospital utilization. He is dually board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine, is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Emergency Physicians and holds a Certified Physician Executive credential. His extensive governance experience includes serving as the Past President of the American Board of Physician Specialties and Vice President of the National Association of Mobile Integrated Health Providers (NAMIHP).
EMS Clinicians
Deputy Chief Jorge Aguilera, BBA
Jorge Aguilera, BBA, is a highly experienced EMS leader with nearly 40 years of dedicated service in emergency medical operations, currently serving as the Deputy Chief of the EMS/Rescue Division for the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District in Naples, Florida. Since starting his career in 1985, he has held diverse roles including flight medic, lieutenant paramedic and educator. In his current leadership capacity, he oversees advanced life support operations, medical quality assurance and personnel development, recently leading the successful launch of the first fire-based ALS transport program in Collier County. Chief Aguilera's academic and professional credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Hodges University and an associate in science in Emergency Medical Technology. He is a graduate of several advanced leadership and management programs at the National Fire Academy and maintains multiple clinical certifications from the University of Miami School of Medicine in areas such as Acute Stroke Management and ACLS. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a key leader in his county's response, coordinating large-scale community antibody testing and infection control programs.
EMS Educators
Richard Rhodes, MBA, NRP
Richard Rhodes, MBA, NRP, is a seasoned public safety professional with over 20 years of multi-disciplinary experience, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Education for the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma. In this capacity, he supervises staff across ten regions, oversees the approval of initial and continuing education and develops regulatory policies and departmental rules for the state. At the national level, Mr. Rhodes is a prominent figure in EMS policy and education. He is the Chair of the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) Education Council and a member of the NASEMSO Board of Directors. He also has extensive experience with the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) as an item writer and member of the clinical judgment panel. His technical expertise is further evidenced by his role as a "Just Culture" champion and his numerous instructor certifications/ Mr. Rhodes holds a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in EMS from the University of South Alabama. He has been recognized as a "dedicated champion for EMS" and was instrumental in creating Georgia's statewide online educational platform, TRAIN Georgia.
EMS Physicians
Nicholas Cozzi, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS
Dr. Nicholas P. Cozzi, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine and EMS physician with a career bridging clinical leadership, operational innovation and national policy across two of the largest EMS systems in the United States. He currently holds multiple high-level appointments, serving as the EMS & Disaster Medicine Medical Director at Rush University Medical Center, a Physician Medical Consultant for the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) and an Online Medical Control Physician for the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY). Dr. Cozzi holds an MBA in Management from Saint Xavier University and earned his MD from Central Michigan University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP) and the National Association of EMS Physicians (FAEMS). His career is defined by a commitment to data-driven quality improvement and the integration of mobile health and community paramedicine into national EMS frameworks.
EMS Researchers
Angela Cornelius, MD, MA, FACEP, FAEMS
Angela P. Cornelius, MD, MA, FACEP, FAEMS, is a highly distinguished emergency physician and EMS leader with extensive expertise in disaster response, medical education and systems integration. She currently serves as the Associate System Medical Director for the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority (MedStar) in Fort Worth, Texas, where she leads Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) initiatives. Dr. Cornelius is an Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas and she has held key educational leadership roles, including serving as the Assistant Program Director for the Emergency/Family Medicine residency program in Shreveport and developing a new EMS fellowship program. Throughout her career, Dr. Cornelius has been instrumental in integrating EMS with public health, including developing protocols for medications for opioid use disorder and advancing national discussions on healthcare during disasters. Dr. Cornelius earned her MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch, her MA in International Disaster Management from the Florida International University and her BS in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Fire-Based EMS
Chief Derek Bergsten, MPA, CFO, CEMSO, CTO, MIFireE
Chief Derek Bergsten, MPA, CFO, CEMSO, CTO, MIFireE, is a seasoned fire service leader with over 31 years of professional experience, currently serving as the Fire Chief of the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since joining PFA in May 2021, he has led a nationally accredited department of over 222 personnel and managed a $44.2 million budget, overseeing emergency response for more than 209,000 residents across a 230-square-mile area. Prior to this role, he spent 27 years with the Rockford Fire Department in Illinois, including 13 years as its Fire Chief, where he was named the 2020 Illinois Fire Chief of the Year. Chief Bergsten holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the Naval Postgraduate School. His extensive professional credentials include designations as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) and Chief Training Officer (CTO), along with a Colorado Certified Emergency Manager (CO-CEM) qualification. In addition to his operational leadership, he serves as Vice President of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Board and is an appointed member of the Colorado State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council.
Hospital Administration
William “Bill” Leggio, EdD, NRP, FAEMS
William “Bill” Leggio, EdD, NRP, FAEMS, is the Administrator for Emergency Departments, Trauma Centers and Urgent Cares at Mayo Clinic Health System in Wisconsin. In this strategic role, he oversees operational priorities for seven hospitals and a free-standing urgent care center, including an American College of Surgeons verified Level II trauma center, serving approximately 180,000 patients annually. A career paramedic with experience in both volunteer and compensated roles, Dr. Leggio has held notable leadership positions such as Chief of Staff for the City of Austin's Office of the Chief Medical Officer and President of the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE). His extensive academic contributions include a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership and two master's degrees from Creighton University, alongside a record of peer-reviewed research and international EMS curriculum development in Saudi Arabia. Recognized as one of the nation's "10 Innovators in EMS" by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, he is a fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services and serves as a certification exam content expert for the NREMT.
Hospital-Based EMS
Arthur "Art" Samaras, MS, NRP, FP-C, MICP
Arthur "Art" Samaras, MS, NRP, FP-C, MICP, is a distinguished emergency medical services leader and clinician with nearly three decades of experience spanning clinical care, operational leadership and strategic emergency management across four continents. He currently serves as a Critical Care/Flight Paramedic for Atlantic Health System - Atlantic Mobile Health, and previously served as the Senior Manager of Operations for Atlantic Health System’s advanced life support and critical care transport service lines, where he oversaw a $20 million revenue stream and a team of approximately 225 advanced clinicians. His extensive career includes international practice as a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)-registered paramedic in the United Kingdom, disaster medical response for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and clinical volunteer work in countries such as Haiti and South Africa. Mr. Samaras holds a Master of Science in Management and Systems Analysis from Kean University and is a graduate of FEMA’s Emergency Management Executive Academy. A highly credentialed professional, he maintains certifications as a Flight Paramedic (FP-C), Critical Care Paramedic (CCEMT-P) and Nationally Registered Paramedic and he was instrumental in Atlantic Ambulance achieving dual accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS).
Local EMS Officials
Mordechai “Motty” Twerski, BS, NREMT
Mordechai “Motty” Twerski, BS, NREMT, has two decades of experience in emergency medical services and public safety, he serves in multiple key leadership roles, including member of the New Jersey EMS Advisory Council representing volunteer agencies statewide and is the newly appointed EMS Coordinator for Ocean County (NJ) EMS. NREMT-certified and state-licensed EMT in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, Twerski has also held roles as an Emergency Response Coordinator for CHEMED Health Center and a lieutenant for the Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad. He is highly trained in homeland security and incident command, serving as a state evaluator for emergency exercises. His contributions to the field were recognized with the 2022 Prehospital Administrator of the Year award.
Pediatric Emergency Physicians
Shea Duerring, MD, NRP, FAAP, FACEP, FAEMS
Dr. Shea A. Duerring, MD, NRP, FAAP, FACEP, FAEMS, is an Associate Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and a staff physician at Children’s of Alabama. With a career dedicated to advancing prehospital pediatric care, he serves as the Assistant State EMS Medical Director for Pediatrics for the Alabama Department of Public Health and is the Principal Investigator for Alabama EMS for Children. Dr. Duerring is triple board-certified in general pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, and EMS medicine and he is a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services. His leadership extends to local and national levels, having served as the President of the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of EMS Physicians (2020–2024) and as the medical director for six regional fire departments. An active researcher and educator, he co-directs the UAB School of Medicine EMT course and contributes to national clinical guidelines for the National Association of State EMS Officials. Dr. Duerring earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed his pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at UAB.
Private EMS
Micheal “Mike” Thomas, DrPH, NREMT
Micheal “Mike” D. Thomas, DrPH, NREMT, is a prominent EMS executive and public health expert with nearly two decades of leadership in the emergency medical services industry. He currently serves as the Chief Government Affairs Officer, Director of Safety and Deputy Director of Human Resources for Jan-Care Ambulance, Inc., the largest ground EMS provider in West Virginia. A dedicated advocate for rural healthcare and patient safety, Dr. Thomas holds a Doctor of Public Health and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Ohio University. His national influence includes serving on the Board of Directors for the American Ambulance Association and as a section editor for the International Journal of Paramedicine. Appointed to the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) in 2023, he provided a critical perspective on rural transportation challenges and regulatory compliance, supported by his credentials as a Certified Patient Safety Officer and a veteran leader in West Virginia’s public service community.
Public Health Officials
Jerrilyn Jones, MD, MPH
Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, MD, MPH, is a seasoned emergency medicine and EMS physician currently serving as the medical director for the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response Systems at the Arkansas Department of Health. In this capacity, she provides medical oversight for over 200 EMS agencies and leads strategic initiatives at the intersection of prehospital care and population health, including the development of the state’s pandemic-era coordination hub, COVID-Comm. Her extensive background in disaster medicine includes serving as a Flight Surgeon and Public Health Emergency Officer in the U.S. Air Force at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and working as a first responder during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Dr. Jones is an Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she clinically practices at the state's only Level 1 trauma center and directs the Medical Scholars in Public Health Program. She holds an MD from Harvard Medical School and an MPH from Boston University. She maintains board certification in both Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services and contributes to national policy through leadership roles with the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) and the National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA).
Quality Improvement Officials
Crystal Shelnutt, MPH, NRP
Crystal Shelnutt, MPH, NRP, is a seasoned public health leader and paramedic with over 20 years of experience in EMS and trauma systems. She currently serves as the Regional Trauma System Development Manager for the Georgia Trauma Commission, where she coordinates initiatives across 10 EMS regions and led the state’s first comprehensive EMS educational needs assessment. Throughout her career, she has bridged the gap between frontline care and system-level leadership, maintaining clinical proficiency as a part-time rural 911 paramedic while spearheading innovative programs such as prehospital blood initiatives and statewide "Stop the Bleed" training. Previously, she directed the EMS programs at Athens Technical College, achieving a 100% National Registry pass rate during her tenure and founded Adaptive Training, a leading EMS education company. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and she is recognized nationally for her work in integrating public safety with broader public health frameworks.
State EMS Officials
Steve McCoy, MS
Steve McCoy, MS, is a highly distinguished EMS leader with nearly three decades of experience, currently serving as the Division Director for Emergency Preparedness and Community Support at the Florida Department of Health. In this executive role, he oversees a broad portfolio including EMS, trauma, rural health, radiation control and statewide healthcare preparedness response for one of the nation's most disaster-active states. Mr. McCoy is the only State EMS Director to have progressed through almost every level of state leadership, rising from training coordinator and data manager to Bureau Chief and ultimately Division Director. Nationally recognized for his expertise in data-driven innovation, he has served on the Executive Board of the National Association of State EMS Officials, the Board of the National Registry of EMTs and the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS. A former field paramedic and flight medic, he holds a master’s degree in public safety administration and has been honored as the EMS Innovator of the Year by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.
State Highway Safety Officials
Daniel Locke, MOL
Daniel Locke, MOL, is a results-driven Program Manager and Post-Crash Care Coordinator for the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), where he leads statewide initiatives to enhance emergency response and roadway safety. With over 15 years of experience in operational leadership and public sector administration, he manages a diverse portfolio of grants and projects involving the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Investigation and numerous local EMS agencies. Notably, he spearheaded the development of standardized Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) training for law enforcement officers across Tennessee and implemented a streamlined, template-based grant application process to improve resource access for rural first responders. Locke holds a Master of Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Recognized as a "change agent" for his commitment to data-driven system improvements and interagency collaboration, he actively supports the strategic use of NEMSIS data to advance national EMS standards and patient outcomes.
State or Local Legislators
Representative Mark Hart (KY)
Representative Mark Allen Hart is a distinguished public servant and veteran first responder currently serving his fifth term as a Kentucky State Representative for the 78th House District. With over 35 years of experience in the EMS and fire protection fields, he brings a unique dual perspective to public policy, serving as the Director of Owen County EMS and working as a part-time paramedic when the legislature is not in session. His extensive career includes serving as a retired Lieutenant with the Lexington Fire Department and a retired Captain with the Pendleton County Ambulance Service, as well as a former combat medic in the Kentucky Army National Guard. In the Kentucky House of Representatives, he serves as co-chair of the Government Contract Review Committee and has sponsored key legislation to enhance statewide 911 initiatives and increase public access to defibrillators. Representative Hart holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Northern Kentucky University and maintains national paramedic registration, embodying a lifelong commitment to emergency medical excellence and community leadership.
***State or Local 911 Officials - Appointment forthcoming
Tribal EMS
Eric Emery
Eric Emery is a dedicated public servant and emergency medical professional with over 20 years of experience in clinical care, operational leadership and legislative advocacy. He currently serves as the Program Director for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Ambulance Service in South Dakota, where he oversees administrative functions, budgeting and advanced life support operations for the reservation. Parallel to his clinical leadership, Emery is a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives (District 26A), where he champions legislation prioritized for community health, public safety and the unique needs of rural and underserved areas. His extensive career includes roles as a flight paramedic for Sanford Health and a supervisory paramedic with the Indian Health Service. A former member of the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) from 2015 to 2021, he is a recognized voice for Tribal EMS agencies, focused on advancing workforce development and equitable resource allocation across Tribal nations. Emery holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services and healthcare administration from Creighton University and has been honored by the South Dakota EMS Association for his lifelong commitment to the profession.
Trauma Surgeons
Peter Fischer, MD, MS, NRP, FACS
Peter E. Fischer, MD, MS, NRP, FACS, is an accomplished trauma surgeon and EMS clinician currently serving as the Trauma Medical Director at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, AR and an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Arkansas. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Fischer's career began as a volunteer EMT and progressed to a paid firefighter/paramedic. This dual perspective deeply informs his current leadership roles as the Medical Director for Hospital Wing Air Ambulance Service and the Medical Team Manager for FEMA Tennessee Task Force 1. Nationally recognized as an expert in prehospital trauma care, he chairs the Systems Pillar for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Formally he chaired the EMS Subcommittee where he spearheaded the landmark 2022 revisions to the National Field Triage Guidelines. Dr. Fischer holds a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Tennessee. He is board-certified in both general surgery and surgical critical care while maintaining active flight paramedic certification. His extensive contributions to the profession also include serving on the boards of the National EMS Quality Alliance and the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition.
Volunteer EMS
Kevin Turley, NRAEMT
Kevin R. Turley, NRAMET, is a veteran public safety professional with 30 years of experience, currently serving as a Daleville City Council Member and the Director of the all-volunteer Dale EMS and Rescue Squad. A dedicated advocate for the volunteer sector, Turley spearheaded the founding of his agency in 2018 to address critical service gaps in Dale County, Alabama, personally funding its initial operations. His career includes service as an aeromedical evacuation technician in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and multiple roles across rural and municipal EMS and fire agencies. Nationally, he contributes as the Alabama Advocacy Coordinator for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and serves on public safety committees for both the National League of Cities and the Alabama League of Municipalities. A licensed Advanced EMT, Turley holds a record of providing hundreds of hours of free instruction to fellow volunteer providers and remains a steadfast champion for advancing emergency care in rural communities.