Aarron Reinert
Isanti, Minnesota, USA
Executive Director, Lakes Region EMS
Treasurer, American Ambulance Association

Tell us a little about yourself.

This is my 25th year as a paramedic. I began my EMS career as a volunteer in a small rural ambulance service in central Minnesota. During my career I have had a number of different leadership experiences, including leading small rural services and large metropolitan services, as well as working for theMinnesota state EMS office.

Today I serve as the Executive Director for Lakes Region EMS. Lakes Region EMS is a rural ambulance service serving Minnesota and Wisconsin composed of 73 full-time staff with a Paramedic/EMT staffing pattern. Previous to Lakes Region EMS, I was the Field Services Manager for the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. At the EMSRB, my projects included creating and implementing a statewide web-based data collection system, developing statewide EMS communication systems, and coordinating EMS bioterrorism preparedness.

I am also active on behalf of our industry on the national level. I serve on the board of directors for the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT), am a past board member for Advocates for EMS, and National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA), and was the chair for the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC). NEMSAC is a statutory advisory board whose members are appointed by the Secretary of Transportation to advise all of the federal government on EMS issues.

How did you come to work in the industry? How long have you been involved?

25 years. I was attending college in Willmar, MInnesota studying computer science and needed a part time job. The local ambulance service was looking for volunteers. As a former Boy Scout and Eagle Scout I thought the EMT class would be easy and fun, and, long story short, I fell in love. I left college, went to paramedic school, and continued with the volunteer service where I became the leader in 1994.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love working with my team. For me, they are my family. I am humbled and honored every day with the incredible things they do.

What is your biggest professional challenge?

Finding the time to do what I know is most the most important, listening to my staff, and deeply understanding their needs.

What is your typical day like?

I travel for my organization and our industry almost half the time. My day might be in a meeting in D.C., or meeting with my team at our offices. No day is the same.

How has participation in AAA membership and advocacy helped your organization?

Too many ways to list, but a few examples:

1.     Helping me to grow as a leader

2.     Connecting with experts all across the nation

3.     Learning new and better ways to lead my organization.