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WEMSA Aims to Recruit Next Generation of EMTs and Paramedics
Wisconsin EMS Association hosts student day to introduce high schoolers to emergency medical careers
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) is working to attract the next generation of EMTs and paramedics, as the industry faces a shortage of first responders. WEMSA's annual conference in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin featured a 'Student Day' that brought over 300 high school students to learn essential emergency medical skills and get hands-on experience with equipment and procedures.
Why it matters
As 911 calls continue to rise each year, WEMSA recognizes the need to recruit more young people into the EMS field to replace retiring professionals. Introducing high school students to emergency medical careers can help build the pipeline of future EMTs and paramedics to serve Wisconsin communities.
The details
At the WEMSA conference, students learned how to use an EpiPen, take blood pressure, and splint a compound fracture. What started as just 80 students four years ago has grown to over 300 participants, with many already interested in healthcare careers. The hands-on experience is solidifying students' interest in emergency medical services, even if they don't ultimately pursue it as a profession, as the essential skills can still help them respond in a crisis.
- The WEMSA conference took place from February 4-6, 2026 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.
- WEMSA's 'Student Day' has been part of the annual conference for the past four years.
The players
Alan DeYoung
Executive Director of the Wisconsin EMS Association.
Chanse Kaczmarski
A paramedic who noted increased student interest in emergency medical careers.
Winnie Palma
A student at Brown Deer High School interested in becoming a dietician, but recognizing the importance of emergency medical skills.
Carter Wojes
A student from Jefferson High School who said the conference has given him more confidence in helping people in an emergency.
What they’re saying
“As you can imagine 911 calls have increased every single year and continue to increase and we've seen obviously a shortage of EMS providers We have a lot of people retiring out of the industry.”
— Alan DeYoung, Executive Director, Wisconsin EMS Association (fox11online.com)
“We're seeing more people interested in emergency medical services and health careers than we've seen the last couple of years.”
— Chanse Kaczmarski, Paramedic (fox11online.com)
“I really want to be a dietician when I grow up and I know one of the most important parts of being in the health care field in general is just learning how to do emergency services like this so that really prompted me to want to come here and learn new stuff.”
— Winnie Palma (fox11online.com)
“I think it's given me a lot more confidence in the way I can help people so I think it's just a great opportunity.”
— Carter Wojes (fox11online.com)
What’s next
WEMSA plans to continue hosting its annual conference and 'Student Day' to introduce more high school students to emergency medical careers and build the pipeline of future EMTs and paramedics.
The takeaway
By engaging the next generation and providing hands-on learning experiences, WEMSA is working to address the shortage of first responders in Wisconsin and ensure communities have the emergency medical personnel they need to keep people safe.
