Osage Ambulance District AEMT Amanda Reichel Named Missouri’s First “AEMT of the Year”
July 30, 2025 — Linn, MO — Osage Ambulance District is proud to announce that Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Amanda Reichel has been named Missouri’s first-ever AEMT of the Year, a prestigious honor introduced this year by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA). This award not only celebrates Amanda’s individual achievement but also marks a significant milestone for the future of EMS care in rural Missouri.
Amanda’s journey into this role reflects resilience, perseverance, and a true commitment to the community she serves. She became the first-ever licensed AEMT employed by Osage Ambulance District, stepping forward during a time when the nationwide paramedic shortage was hitting rural communities the hardest.
“As the paramedic shortage in rural EMS continued to worsen, our leadership team took a hard look at how we could adapt and sustain high-quality emergency care for our community,” said Chief Josh Krull. “We made the decision to invest in developing the AEMT provider role—an underutilized and often overlooked resource in the state of Missouri.”
At the time, only hybrid AEMT training programs were accessible in the area. Despite the challenges, Amanda led the charge, enrolling in the program and becoming the first to complete it, earn her license, and set a new standard for advanced pre-hospital care within the organization.
Chief Krull added, “Though Amanda is the first to hold this position at our agency, she certainly won’t be the last. Her success proves the value of AEMTs—not just for our district, but for rural EMS systems throughout the state.”
Amanda’s compassion, clinical expertise, and dedication have made her an irreplaceable part of the Osage Ambulance District team. Her recognition as MEMSA’s first AEMT of the Year is a well-deserved honor and a proud moment for the entire district.
Congratulations, Amanda—and thank you for blazing the trail for future AEMTs across Missouri.
Link to MEMSA Award Page: https://memsa.org/award_recipients/amanda-reichel/
