Tag: Metro-Area Ambulance Service

With more than 30 years of experience in emergency medical services, Neil Frame stands as a respected leader in both EMS operations and healthcare administration. He began his EMS career in 1993 as a street paramedic with Metro Area Ambulance Service, where his dedication to patient care and operational excellence quickly propelled him into leadership roles, including shift supervisor and ultimately Operations Director.

In his current role, Neil helps to oversee the daily operations of Metro Area Ambulance and Metro Billing Services, managing a complex portfolio of more than 100 ambulance billing client accounts across five states. His focus includes ambulance billing and reimbursement strategy, patient care documentation standards, and strict adherence to federal and state compliance regulations. Neil’s ability to bridge clinical insight with administrative precision has made him a trusted figure in EMS operations and revenue cycle management.

Neil’s contributions to the EMS community extend beyond his operational duties. He is a former member of the board of directors for the North Dakota EMS Association, where he also served as a director and Southwest Region president. His commitment to education and professional development is reflected in his past roles as a certified EMS Instructor, EVOC Instructor, and American Heart Association Instructor—positions through which he helped shape the next generation of EMS professionals.

Outside of his professional life, Neil is a devoted husband to Tammy, proud father of three, and grandfather to eight. His leadership is grounded in integrity, experience, and a lifelong commitment to service—qualities that continue to drive innovation and excellence across the organizations he leads.

Neil Frame is a EMS Star of Life for Metro Area Ambulance Service.

Dan Schaefer, a dedicated EMS professional with over three decades of service, is being honored as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life. Dan’s career in emergency services began in 1985, volunteering on a local rural ambulance service before becoming a National Registry Emergency Medical Paramedic in 1993. Since then, he has served with Metro Area Ambulance Service, rising to his current role as Chief of Operations.

Dan’s impact on EMS extends far beyond his professional duties. He has played an instrumental role in improving EMS operations, patient care, and the work environment for his colleagues. His leadership helped guide the transition from 24-hour shifts to 12-hour flexing shifts, creating a better work-life balance for staff managing a high volume of calls. As Human Resources Director, Dan addressed the EMS provider shortage by creating flexible schedules and establishing a Peer Support and Chaplaincy program to enhance employee well-being.

Dan’s expertise also reaches across the state. As the North Dakota representative for the State Interoperability Executive Committee for 13 years, he chaired the Siren 20/20 project—a $200 million statewide radio system ensuring reliable communication for emergency services. He also serves on the advisory board at Bismarck State College for their Paramedic Program, playing a vital role in shaping future EMS professionals.

Dan’s volunteerism exemplifies his deep commitment to public service. As the Division Director of the Northern Division of the National Ski Patrol, Dan dedicates his time to ensuring the safety of skiers and snowboarders in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. He also leads the Bis/Man Cardiac Ready Community Program, which has placed over 250 AEDs throughout Bismarck/Mandan, providing critical life-saving equipment to a community of over 150,000 people.

Dan’s extensive contributions to the EMS field also include work with the North Dakota Department of Health, where he helped establish state EMS guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his service on the Dakota Zoo Management Board, where he assesses risk management strategies for the safety of visitors.

Through his leadership, commitment to public service, and dedication to the betterment of EMS across North Dakota, Dan Schaefer continues to make a profound impact on the community he serves. Metro Area Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Dan Schaefer for the 2024 Star of Life Award in recognition of his lifetime commitment to EMS, public safety, and volunteerism.