Mission & History

For over 50 years, the Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) has represented and supported the views and interests of our membership in Wisconsin communities by promoting education, sharing information, and facilitating legislative action.

2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan  Current Bylaws

MISSION

To serve those who serve others.

VISION

To be the voice for those who serve.

STRATEGIC VALUES

CORE VALUES

• Advancing essential emergency services access and delivery across Wisconsin, the region, and the nation.
• Acting as a unified voice for emergency personnel.
• Aligning with others to define emergency services as their work.
• Honoring diversity and inclusiveness among our members, their organizations, and throughout the industry.
• Leading to identify, develop, and share best practices of emergency services as an industry.
• Learning from each other to advance our work and our industry.
• Partnering with government medical providers and community to meet the essential services in the continuum of care.
• Strong action to identify and unite all emergency services to deliver the highest quality of care.

HISTORY

Who We Are

The Wisconsin EMS Association® (WEMSA®) was founded in 1973 and has grown into Wisconsin's statewide trade association and leading voice for EMS. Today, WEMSA unites over 6,000 members across 400+ EMS organizations and allied partners statewide, with a core focus on strengthening public and nonprofit EMS agencies. Through advocacy, education, and connection, WEMSA supports high-quality service delivery and leadership across Wisconsin's EMS community.

Founding Story

The Wisconsin EMT Association (WEMTA) was incorporated on December 23, 1973, founded by a 12-member board of directors, nearly all from Milwaukee County. In its early years, the organization focused on EMS activities in southeastern Wisconsin, holding monthly meetings at the Milwaukee County Medical Complex and publishing a member newsletter, the WEMTA Journal. As membership grew to represent agencies across the entire state, the organization was renamed the Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) in 1996 to reflect its broader representation of all facets of emergency medical services.

Where We're Headed

WEMSA's work centers on positioning EMS as an essential public service. That means stabilizing and growing the EMS workforce, advancing sustainable funding and readiness models grounded in data, and deepening member engagement and strategic partnerships to strengthen patient care, practice, and advocacy influence.

Conference & Publications

WEMSA hosts one of the largest EMS conferences in the United States, the WEMSA Conference & Expo, featuring a massive expo hall, multiple tracks of education, hands-on demonstrations, and national speakers. Members stay connected through EMS Professionals®, WEMSA's quarterly full-color publication, and the WEMSA Connection™ E-Newsletter, published every other week.

Programs & Legislative Milestones

WEMSA has been the driving force behind a wide range of programs and legislative wins for EMS in Wisconsin, including:

• • Establishing the EMS Tuition Reimbursement Program (administered through HEAB)
  • Establishing the EMS Funding Assistance Program (FAP)
  • Establishing the First Responder certification
  • Establishing the Flexible Staffing Model through 2017 Wisconsin Act 97 (known as "Flex Staffing")
  • Expanding public access to AEDs and defibrillation
  • Establishing the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSA) for first responders, now known as the Service Awards Program
  • Securing increased funding for EMS through one-time funding, increased reimbursements, and other initiatives
  • Establishing Community EMS through 2017 Wisconsin Act 66
  • Driving several other initiatives to support EMS across Wisconsin

National & Regional Affiliations

WEMSA is an affiliate member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). WEMSA also founded the Alliance of State EMS Associations, originally established as an informal networking group known as the State EMS Association Networking Meeting in 2009.

Looking Ahead

WEMSA continually seeks input from its members, gathering feedback through workgroups and member surveys. Backed by the latest data on EMS in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin EMS Association remains committed to "Serving Those Who Serve Others."

Leadership Through the Years

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