50th Anniversary of the Wyoming Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Conference

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wyoming Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Conference.

On August 21, 2025, the Wyoming Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wyoming Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Conference. The conference is a premier educational event for first responders statewide.

In the 1970s, Wyoming lawmakers recognized the need to create a statewide system to standardize emergency medical services. The Wyoming EMS Office was established to provide critical training, support, and continuing education for first responders. It is also responsible for EMS licensing across the State.

The trauma conference came from humble beginnings. The first conference was hosted in a basement room. Throughout the years, the conference grew in size and popularity as a respected source of education and information.

Over the years, the Office of Emergency Medical Services and the Wyoming Emergency Medical Services Association have both hosted this valuable conference. Spanning 3 full days, the event will highlight new EMS practices and trauma care issues. With national and local speakers, activities, and vendors, it will provide eight different continuing education tracks for participants to pursue.

Aside from the incredible educational opportunities available, the conference creates a sense of community. Each year, the conference highlights the achievements of incredible healthcare professionals around the State. Top first responders are honored by their peers with awards for Lifetime Achievement, the Pete Vase Medic of the Year, Physician Medical Director of the Year, EMS Course Coordinator of the Year, along with the Bystander, Rising Star, and Achievement Awards.

The Wyoming Office of Emergency Medical Services is led by Manager Aaron Koehler, MS, EMT. He is joined by a dedicated team including:

Jay Ostby, License Officer, Reporting and Data Analyst

Susan Neugebauer, EMS Program Supervisor and EMS for Children Program

Elaine Volin, BSN, RN, Trauma Program Manager

Jesse Chavez, EMS Records and Data Specialist

Derrick Krause, Administrative Assistant

Amanda Witherington, Administrative Assistant

The Wyoming Trauma and EMS conference plays an integral role in the excellence of Wyoming healthcare and emergency response. This conference allows participants opportunities to meet with others, learn new skills, and improve their abilities in the field.

Every attendee, including EMS clinicians, medical experts, first responders, agency administrators, and educators, is truly selfless and caring. They are drawn to making a tangible difference and have an incredible passion for saving lives. I applaud each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment.

It is an honor to celebrate this significant milestone. This conference provides tremendous opportunities for our State's medical professionals. Congratulations to the Office of Emergency Medical Services on the 50th anniversary of the Wyoming Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Conference.

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