Chris Prutzman

Chris began his EMS career in 1992 after serving in the U.S. Navy. After attending the EMT Basic Course at Cerritos College,  his prehospital journey started with  Adams Ambulance providing transport services for LA County Fire Department. The exposure to these advanced life support providers set in motion a desire to complete Paramedic school. A cross-country move to Florida in 1996 landed Chris at Broward County Community College, completing the paramedic curriculum while working for American Medical Response. Chris transferred to EMSA Oklahoma City in July 1998 with a desire to work for a larger system with escalating call volume that would hone his knowledge and skill set. Chris spent 17 years in the EMSA system as a clinician as well as a clinical and operational leader. In 2014 his career moved him into a Director position with OU Medical System as The Director of EMS Relations. This role allowed for continued growth and knowledge expansion concerning the vital role of EMS in the delivery of patients to our hospital systems and assisting in process and pathway building aligning these healthcare systems increasing efficiency. Chris transitioned in 2016 to a Director of Operations role with a new EMS provider in Oklahoma, Samaritan EMS. Chris has spent the last 5 years assisting in the growth of their service to include Federal and Municipal 911 contracts. Chris holds multiple instructor credentials as well as a NAED EMD certificate. Chris has also served as a Tactical Paramedic/Medical Advisory for a Central Oklahoma SWAT Team and Medical Branch Director for multiple large scale tornado events as well as the Tinker AFB Air Show..