Cody Zehnder

Cody Zehnder is a Critical Care Paramedic with Emplify Health Ambulance who has built his EMS career through continuous growth, clinical excellence, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. His experience spans volunteer EMS, hospital emergency care, ambulance service, and military medicine.

Cody began his EMS journey in 2017 as a volunteer EMT with Caledonia Ambulance Service in Minnesota, later advancing to AEMT and Paramedic. In 2018, he expanded his clinical experience by joining the Mayo Clinic Emergency Department in La Crosse as an EMT.

Cody’s commitment to service also extends to the military. After serving five and a half years with the Minnesota Army National Guard as a tank crewmember, he earned his 68W Combat Medic military occupational specialty with the Wisconsin Army National Guard in August 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cody answered another community need by contracting to administer COVID-19 tests and vaccines.

In 2021, Cody joined the Gundersen Emergency Department as an EMT. He earned his Paramedic license in October 2022 and joined Emplify Health Ambulance as a Paramedic in September 2023. Continuing his pattern of professional development, Cody achieved his Critical Care license in January 2025, further expanding his ability to care for patients with complex medical needs.

While Cody’s progression reflects an impressive commitment to clinical development, his impact is perhaps best demonstrated through the experiences of his patients and their families. Following a frightening emergency involving a young child, the patient’s family specifically recognized Cody for the outstanding care he provided. Their appreciation reflects his ability to combine clinical skill with the compassion and reassurance families need during some of their most difficult moments.

From volunteering as an EMT to advancing into critical care and military medicine, Cody has consistently sought opportunities to learn, grow, and serve. His professionalism, compassion, clinical expertise, and dedication to continued development exemplify the qualities at the heart of emergency medical services.

Emplify Health Ambulance is proud to recognize Cody Zehnder as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.