Angela Parsell is an EMT-B with Clay County EMS.  Angela’s expertise in patient care is matched only by her ability to bring calm to chaotic emergencies. With a soothing presence, she not only delivers exceptional care within her scope but goes further, ensuring patients and their families feel supported and informed. Whether explaining procedures or guiding families to the right hospital, Angela’s compassion makes a difference in their darkest moments. Her deep ties to our community mean she’s often greeted by name, instantly building trust and rapport with those she serves.

As a partner, Angela is invaluable. When calls get intense, her calm voice and quick-thinking bring focus to the team, often suggesting critical courses of action. Her professionalism is unwavering; she gently but firmly ensures her colleagues maintain respect and focus, especially when families are nearby, correcting lapses with grace and understanding.

Angela’s impact extends beyond the field. She’s a tireless worker at the station, diving into chores, training, or projects with an infectious work ethic that motivates others. Her ability to listen and adapt makes her a trusted confidante, always ready to support a struggling colleague without judgment. Drawing from her own personal triumphs over hardship, Angela is a beacon of strength, advocating for first responder mental health through crisis intervention training and developing a peer counseling program at CCEMS. She’s also pursuing her AEMT certification, a testament to her commitment to growth.

In EMS, some dismiss the role of an EMT-B as “just” basic. Angela Parsell proves them wrong. She personifies what it means to be exceptional, supportive, caring, composed, thoughtful, and perceptive. She is a true asset to CCEMS and her community.

This award is given to a Kansas EMR or EMT who has significantly contributed to EMS at the community, state and/or national level. 

ALS Provider of the Year - troy armstrong

Troy Armstrong is a Paramedic with Anderson County EMS. Troy Armstrong joined Anderson County EMS as Director in 2021. As a paramedic with nine years of experience, he responds to nearly every 911 call, whether in his support vehicle or an ambulance, delivering expert care and supporting his team with unmatched skill. His quick thinking and advanced interventions—like needle decompression and field intubations—have saved lives, including a pediatric drowning victim who now thrives deficit-free as well as a cardiac arrest patient who survived multiple incidents thanks to Troy’s expertise and coordination with first responders.

Troy’s leadership extends beyond the field. He ensures our protocols are cutting-edge, researching innovations like blood products, portable ultrasounds, and ketamine, recently implementing video laryngoscopes on our units. As an educator, he inspires the next generation as an AHA BLS and ACLS instructor, EMT course leader, and speaker at conferences. His grant writing and advocacy at EMS Day at the Capitol strengthen his service and the broader EMS community.

Troy’s compassion shines in his commitment to his team and community. After grueling calls, he checks on crew members, first responders, and hospital staff, fostering a supportive environment. His relationships with county leaders, dispatch, and the public build trust, ensuring seamless emergency responses. Whether securing AEDs for schools or providing CPR training, Troy’s impact endures.

ALS Provider of the Year - laura baker

Laura Baker, Paramedic with Franklin County EMS, embodies the heart of EMS. Last summer, she responded to a harrowing accident where a delivery truck struck a tree, trapping the driver. For hours, under grueling conditions, Laura remained inside the vehicle, providing unwavering medical care and emotional support to the patient until extrication was complete. Her fortitude and compassion never faltered, placing the patient’s needs above her own. This is just one example of how Laura consistently goes beyond the call of duty, ensuring every patient receives not just treatment, but genuine care.

Beyond her clinical excellence, Laura is a vital member of our Peer Support Team. Her empathy and calming presence provide a lifeline for colleagues to navigate the challenges of EMS work. Whether offering a listening ear or thoughtful guidance, Laura strengthens our team, fostering resilience and compassion in those around her.

As an educator at Johnson County Community College, Laura shapes the future of EMS. She mentors aspiring providers, imparting not only technical expertise but also humanity essential to exceptional care. Her students leave inspired, carrying forward her values of integrity and service.

Laura Baker is a true leader, representing the very best of what it means to be a paramedic. Her dedication to patients, peers, and the next generation of EMS providers makes her an invaluable asset to our department and community.

This award is for a Kansas AEMT or Paramedic who has significantly contributed to EMS at the community, state and/or national level.  It can be any Kansas Paramedic whose primary responsibility is providing direct patient care.

Donald E. White Educator of the Year - jon batenhorst

Jon Batenhorst is with with Johnson County MED-ACT.  Throughout his career, Jon has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to providing high-quality, professional education for EMS practitioners. His teaching is rooted in evidence-based practices, clinical accuracy, and a clear passion for preparing students to meet the challenges of prehospital care.

Jon serves as an outstanding role model in both the classroom and the EMS community. He leads by example with professionalism, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility, setting a high standard for ethical practice and patient-centered care that inspires students and colleagues alike.

As a mentor, Jon is exceptional. He supports EMS students at every stage of their development—from those just beginning to seasoned providers pursuing advanced education. He takes time to understand each student’s learning needs, provides individualized support, and challenges them to grow not only in skill, but also in confidence and judgment.

Jon continually seeks new and innovative ways to enhance the student learning experience. He incorporates simulation, real-time feedback, multimedia resources, and active learning strategies to keep students engaged and ensure they are fully prepared for the realities of the field. His classroom is a place of discovery, critical thinking, and practical application.

In addition to his excellence as an instructor, Jon contributes meaningfully to the broader EMS education community. He actively participates in the development of curriculum content, helping to expand and improve the quality of EMS education available to learners across various programs and institutions. His involvement in the Kansas City Regional Simulation Alliance brings EMS to the forefront of the simulation education community.

Jon’s dedication, mentorship, and innovative approach have left a lasting impact on countless students and educators. His contributions elevate the profession and embody the highest ideals of EMS education.

This award is offered to recognize any Kansas Instructor Coordinator who is recognized by the Kansas Board of EMS to conduct initial courses of instruction or continuing education instruction and is given to an outstanding instructor of initial or continuing EMS education.

pediatric provider of the year - louise bardwell

Louise Bardwell is with Franklin County EMS. Through her tireless commitment to quality and innovation, Louise Bardwell has been the pediatric EMS Champion for Franklin County EMS. She led Franklin County EMS to complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment twice, turning below-average scores into above-average results through strategic quality improvement initiatives. By integrating hands-on pediatric training scenarios into daily continuing education and developing a comprehensive pediatric reference guide aligned with Broselow tape and medication dosages, Louise ensures providers are equipped for real-world emergencies. Her proactive training on rare conditions, like Kabuki syndrome, and collaboration with Children’s Mercy Hospital to update stroke and seizure protocols demonstrate her evidence-based approach to optimizing patient outcomes.

As a mentor, Louise inspires EMS practitioners, first responders, and firefighters across Franklin County. She spearheaded training on Carter Kits for children with autism, procured through her EMSC network, ensuring responders can provide calm, effective care. Her mentorship extends to community education, presenting to the Franklin County Commissioners and Rotary Club to advocate for tailored pediatric interventions. Louise also ensured that child abuse reporting procedures are accessible to all providers, reinforcing her commitment to pediatric safety.

Louise’s leadership shines in her pursuit of KAPE certification and her creation of tools like the Rapid Sequence Intubation chart and pediatric QA/QI measures. Her collaboration with local hospitals and ongoing exploration of cutting-edge pediatric devices set a benchmark for excellence. With humility and professionalism, Louise bridges EMS and community needs, making Franklin County a model for pediatric care.

Louise Bardwell’s unwavering dedication has transformed pediatric EMS, inspired her colleagues and safeguarding our community’s youngest.

This award is given to an individual or team who has shown excellence and dedication to children through pediatric emergency care and/or family centered care.

EMS Support person of the year - jason hudson

Jason Hudson is the Division Chief for Franklin County EMS. Jason has transformed Franklin County EMS through his pioneering leadership of the agency’s peer support team. He spearheaded its creation, securing top-tier training for himself and team members, and continues to prioritize their growth through ongoing education. His advanced training in navigating high-stress environments equips him to guide responders with empathy and precision, fostering a culture of resilience and care.

As Northeast Kansas Regional Coordinator for First Responders Support Team Midwest, Jason’s impact reaches far beyond our county. Following a tragic motor vehicle collision that claimed eight lives, he swiftly coordinated diffusing and debriefing sessions, collaborating with HR and county officials to bring in a licensed mental health clinician. His calm, innovative leadership provided critical support to responders during a profoundly challenging time.

Jason’s operational contributions are equally remarkable. When a drunk driver totaled an ambulance, he relentlessly sourced a replacement, ensuring uninterrupted service. His meticulous scheduling and deep understanding of team dynamics maintain seamless coverage, balancing clinical expertise with emotional intelligence—a rare and invaluable skill. Jason’s tireless drive to improve EMS is evident in his efforts to introduce new training, strengthen mental health partnerships, and mentor peer support members, making our system more resilient and accessible.

Even off-duty, Jason prioritizes his colleagues, traveling across Kansas to support debriefings and crises, often at personal sacrifice. His selflessness, humility, and ability to connect with responders in need set a standard of trust and empathy within the agency.

Jason Hudson embodies the essence of a support person—dedicated, compassionate, and impactful. His work strengthens Franklin County EMS and the broader EMS community.

This award is given to an individual whose efforts enhance EMS in Kansas through their actions as a First Responder, Nurse, Dispatcher, Law Enforcement Officer, Pilot, Supervisor, or other individual who would not fit into the other categories for individual recognition.

Administrator of the Year - cari cavender

During her tenure at Woodson County EMS, Cari Cavender turned a struggling service into a robust, reliable system. Starting with just one full-time AEMT, she built a team of five full-time and six PRN staff, fostering their professional growth through EMR and EMT certifications, with many advancing to ALS providers. Her strategic investments in equipment and ambulances have elevated the service’s ability to deliver top-tier prehospital care.

Cari’s expertise as a Registered Nurse and her roles as an American Heart Association Instructor, Pediatric Care Coordinator, and Deputy Coroner reflect her broad commitment to public health. Yet, her leadership shone brightest on March 14, 2025, during the Yates Center Health and Rehab fire. As flames and smoke threatened 38 vulnerable residents, Cari arrived taking charge of a chaotic evacuation. Coordinating with staff, law enforcement, and school buses, she ensured all residents were safely evacuated just three minutes before the facility was engulfed. Her calm, decisive actions and patient assessments saved lives, while her continued oversight secured oxygen and care for every resident.

Cari’s impact extends beyond crises. Her mentorship and advocacy inspire not just those around her, but the broader EMS community, earning praise from colleagues and her daughter, Madison, a police officer, who lauded her tireless dedication. As a mother of six and grandmother of four, Cari’s selflessness defines both her personal and professional life.

Cari’s leadership transformed her service and turned it into a beacon of resilience and care.

This is awarded to an individual or team who has been involved in the development of innovative approaches to injury / illness prevention or EMS awareness within the community.

Physician of the year - Dr. michelle schierling

Dr. Michelle Schierling is the Medical Director, Life Star of Kansas. Dr. Schierling has transformed Life Star through her dedication to EMS clinicians. As an avid crew supporter, she is always available, offering an open ear and expert clinical guidance. Whether answering questions during critical calls or providing supportive, non-threatening feedback, her approachable demeanor and deep understanding of patient illnesses and EMS challenges foster trust and growth among her team. She knows each crew member personally, participating actively in hiring and building strong, individual connections.

Her commitment to education is unparalleled. Dr. Schierling attends and leads quarterly simulation training and chart reviews, sharing her expertise as an Emergency Physician at Stormont Vail in Topeka and her experience in the command center. She generously mentors newer Medical Directors across the Med-Trans/GMR organization, sharing resources like her surgical skills presentations to enhance training at other bases, such as HealthStar. Her hands-on teaching ensures clinicians are well-prepared for the complexities of prehospital care.

Beyond her clinical and educational roles, Dr. Schierling’s journey from Physician Assistant to physician exemplifies her lifelong dedication to healthcare. Her ability to balance multiple roles while remaining a steady, supportive presence for Life Star’s crew sets her apart as a leader who truly understands the demands of EMS.

Dr. Michelle Schierling’s compassion, accessibility, and commitment to excellence elevate Life Star of Kansas and the broader EMS community.

This is awarded to any Kansas licensed physician who provides commendable service to the benefit of EMS in Kansas.

Community Service Award - abigail truman

Abigail Truman is with Franklin County EMS. Her exceptional leadership and dedication as the Franklin County EMS American Heart Association Training Center Coordinator earned her this nomination.

Abigail’s oversight ensures high-quality AHA training for diverse organizations, including Johnson County Community College, Coffey County EMS, Osawatomie State Hospital, Asplundh Tree Expert, and numerous individual providers. Her commitment to excellence sets a standard for life-saving education throughout the region.

Her passion for community outreach is unparalleled. Abigail trains athletic coaches from Ottawa and Wellsville High Schools in hands-only CPR and AED use, safeguarding student athletes. She empowers middle and high school students at Central Heights with CPR skills, fostering a new generation of prepared responders. By partnering with Franklin County churches, she extends AED and CPR training to congregations, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all.

In 2023, Abigail collaborated with the Ottawa Recreation Commission to launch Saturday morning community classes, teaching five fully enrolled sessions on hands-only CPR and AED use. In 2024, as a certified Matter of Balance instructor, she expanded her impact by offering fall prevention classes to Franklin County residents and senior living facilities, promoting wellness and injury prevention.

Abigail’s tireless efforts bridge generations and communities, equipping countless individuals with the skills to save lives. Her leadership, compassion, and proactive approach to public health make her a beacon of service.

The Community Service Award is awarded to an individual or team who has been involved in the development of innovative approaches to injury/illness prevention or EMS awareness within the community.

Career Service of the Year Award - ellsworth county ems

Serving 6,200 residents across 718 square miles, Ellsworth County EMS answers every call—day or night—with skill and compassion. Beyond their critical response to emergencies along I-70 and five towns, this team has built a culture of trust, teamwork, and resilience that sets them apart. Their dedication shines in community initiatives that save lives and strengthen bonds.

Each year, Ellsworth County EMS hosts Youth Safety Day, uniting EMS, fire, law enforcement, and emergency management to teach 6th graders hands-on safety skills, leaving a lasting impact. Their First Responder Food Drive, a holiday tradition, collects donations for the local food bank, reflecting their commitment to service beyond the ambulance. Recognizing a gap in child safety, they launched a car seat safety initiative, training technicians and distributing seats to families in need. They also placed 13 new AEDs in fire departments and government buildings, with plans to expand access further.

Embracing innovation, the team adopted head-up CPR with EleGARD, electronic stair chairs, and high-fidelity simulation training, ensuring safer, more effective care. Yet, it’s their culture that truly defines them—a team that checks on each other after tough calls, supports community events after long shifts, and celebrates shared successes with humility.

Ellsworth County EMS is a small agency with a big heart, driven by people who give everything to their neighbors without expecting recognition. It is with immense pride that we nominate them for this award, celebrating their extraordinary service and enduring impact on their community.

This award recognizes a service that exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to the community, honoring agencies for their dedication, teamwork and commitment to EMS.

safety in ems Award - merge

On March 14, 2025, a devastating wildfire threatened the Yates Center Health and Rehab facility, endangering 38 vulnerable residents. As flames forced a rapid evacuation, MERGe’s swift activation became the cornerstone of a lifesaving response. Born from the 1991 Andover tornado, MERGe has evolved into a statewide EMS coordination system, uniting trained personnel, ambulances, and resources to manage disaster-level incidents with precision and care.

During the crisis, MERGe mobilized to Yates Center High School, the designated triage hub, establishing medical command and coordinating EMS assets from Anderson, Coffey, Greenwood, Bourbon, Allen, and Woodson Counties, alongside Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Their seamless collaboration ensured every resident received timely care, tracking, and transport. In just 40 minutes from fire notification, all residents were safely evacuated, and within three hours, each was placed in an accepting facility—a remarkable feat reflecting MERGe’s ability to bring order to chaos.

MERGe’s leadership preserved the safety of both patients and responders, ensuring agencies were not overwhelmed and transport decisions were medically sound. Their deployable, mission-ready posture and regional partnerships exemplify the gold standard for disaster medical response in Kansas. By fostering unity and efficiency, MERGe not only saved lives but also reinforced the trust and resilience of a rural community in crisis.

The Kansas Major Emergency Response Group’s actions during the Yates Center fire evacuation embody the highest ideals of safety, service, and collaboration in EMS. It is with great pride that we nominate MERGe for this award, celebrating their profound impact on Woodson County and Kansas EMS.

This award recognizes a volunteer service or individual who has made significant contributions to patient and practitioner safety.

Lifetime Achievement Award - debbie whitmer & terry whitmer

Debbie Whitmer and Terry Whitmer with Ellsworth County EMS have extraordinary 94 combined years of service to Ellsworth County EMS and the Kansas EMS community, marked by compassion, resilience, and transformative leadership.

Since 1977, Debbie and Terry have been pillars of rural EMS, beginning as volunteers when prehospital care was in its infancy. Debbie, a nurse, overcame early challenges—like treating a critical patient in a snowstorm with minimal resources—pushing for changes that integrated nurses and EMTs in the field. Her tenacity saved lives and shaped modern EMS practices. Terry, with his calm demeanor and mechanical aptitude, became a trusted partner and mentor, fostering a culture of teamwork. In 2009, he stepped into full-time service, exemplifying loyalty and dependability.

Together, they founded the Wilson Ambulance Service in 1979, laying the groundwork for a vital regional system. Over 47 years, they adapted to evolving standards, mastered every EMS certification level, and inspired generations, including family members who followed their path into EMS. Their colleagues were family, their patients were neighbors, and their commitment never wavered.

Debbie and Terry’s legacy is one of selflessness and service. Even after retiring in December 2024, their influence endures in the providers they mentored and the systems they built. Their 94 years of dedication have left an indelible mark on Ellsworth County and beyond.

This award recognizes an individual whose contributions to pre-hospital care have been consistent and long lasting, representing in effect, a lifetime of outstanding service to the profession and to the public.

Celine Larson PEER Support Award - stuart funk

The 2025 recipient is Stuart Funk, Paramedic, Public Outreach and Education Director, Butler County Peer Support Team Coordinator. Stuart Funk has been a valued member of Butler County EMS since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of unwavering dedication to Emergency Medical Services. Since 2017, he has served as an integral part of the Butler County EMS Peer Support Team and, in 2024, expanded his impact by joining the Kansas EMS Association Peer Support Society.

In both roles, Stuart exemplifies compassion, reliability, and an unshakable commitment to helping others- qualities he gratefully attributes to the lifelong example of his parents. He thanks them for modeling a life of love, generosity, and faith for over 50 years.

A passionate educator and advocate for public safety, Stuart teaches a wide array of life-saving courses, including Stop the Bleed, Hands-Only CPR, AHA First Aid/CPR, Stepping On Fall Prevention, Safe Sleep Instruction, and Child Passenger Safety Car Seat Installation. He also plays a vital role in organizing the Annual Life Save Banquet. In recognition of his outstanding service, Stuart was named EMS Paramedic of the Year in 2019.

Before beginning his career in EMS, Stuart served in the United States Navy. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, sailing, fishing, and serving on the Leadership Team at Hope Covenant Church. Whether he’s responding to a call, teaching a class, or offering encouragement in his community or church, Stuart brings with him a spirit of joy, humor, and hope.

Guided by the words of Matthew 20:28—“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”—Stuart views his work not just as a profession, but as a calling. He believes his name, derived from “steward,” is no accident. His mission is simple but profound: “to be a source of hope when others feel overwhelmed, and to walk alongside them when they need it most.”

The KEMSA conference is available for EMS providers of all levels, educators, managers/supervisors, service directors, medical directors, nurses, and others involved in the EMS profession.