Jason Wyland, a flight paramedic and nurse with Aspirus MedEvac, has been named the 2025 National Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). The award was presented during NAEMT’s General Membership Meeting and at the EMS World Expo Opening Ceremony on October 22 in Indianapolis.
Wyland began his emergency medical services career in 1997 after completing EMT-Basic certification at Northcentral Technical College. He later obtained a Fire Protection Technology degree from Fox Valley Technical College and started working full-time for the Merrill Fire Department in 2001 as a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate. Early in his career, he helped lead an initiative that raised $110,000 to upgrade the department’s emergency medical service to paramedic level.
He joined Aspirus MedEvac in 2009 and became a full-time member of the team in 2011. In 2013, Wyland achieved Flight Certified Paramedic status. He earned an associate degree in nursing in 2014 and completed his bachelor’s degree in nursing five years later. Currently, he serves as both flight nurse and flight paramedic on the Air-1 team based at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff.
Colleagues describe Wyland as a humble leader who mentors new providers and advocates for patients. Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015, he continued to advance his skills while remaining active in patient care.
“This recognition is incredibly humbling,” Wyland said. “I’m proud to serve alongside the Air-1 crew—this isn’t just a job,it’s a family. Every day we have the opportunity to make someone’s very worst moment a little better.That’s why we do what we do.”
“Jason is a remarkable provider and team member,” said Charlie Kotke, Manager, Aspirus MedEvac. “His expertise, resilience, and compassion have made a profound difference in the lives of countless patients. We are thrilled to see him recognized on a national stage for the excellence we are fortunate to witness every day.”
Wyland resides with his wife of twenty years and their five children in Merrill.
Aspirus MedEvac offers round-the-clock air and ground medical transport for critically ill or injured individuals across North Central Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
