When Paula Kempf first started at Bureau of EMS Chief, she was

handed an NQAP (Not Quite A Paramedic) license from her staff.  Her credentials as a registered nurse coming from the hospital setting were not held against her, but have been cause for an occasion or two of friendly pokes.

Paula began as Bureau Chief in 2000 and has overseen numerous changes in the state of Missouri that benefit the industry and ultimately Missouri residents.  New horizons now lay before Paula as she retires on October 31, so it is appropriate to recall her contributions to Missouri’s EMS system.

Originally from California, Paula attended the Delta School of Nursing in Stockton, receiving her degree in 1975.  From being a nurse’s aide in 1971 in Lodi, California, to working the floor at San Francisco General and Mount Zion Hospital, Paula had come a long way.

She came to Missouri in 1982 and joined the University Hospital in Columbia as one of the original five nurses with Staff for Life air ambulance.  In 1989, Paula was promoted to Trauma Nurse Coordinator. She held that position until 1996 when she was made the first nurse trauma coordinator for the state of Missouri.  Four years later, Paula took the position as Bureau Chief.

“In the eight years as Bureau Chief, I have had the opportunity to learn so much while working with people I thoroughly enjoy,” says Paula.

During Paula’s tenure, Chapter 190, The Comprehensive EMS Act, was rewritten and legislative regulation changes ensued with the help of too many people to list.  The Bureau moved to the National Registry for Paramedic testing which allows Missouri to rank with other states.  A new data collection system was adopted to manage trauma registry, Missouri Ambulance Report System MARS and Stroke and STEMI patients for every hospital and ambulance service in Missouri, without charge. 

Most recently, the Stroke and STEMI legislation passed and was signed by Governor, Matt Blunt and the Bureau now has a state medical director for the first time in Missouri history.

 

During this time, Leadership abilities Paula managed to remain steady at the helm as the Bureau of EMS was downgraded to the Unit of EMS, which restricted significantly its effectiveness as a regulatory agency.  Paula was later successful in having the Unit of EMS reinstated as the Bureau of EMS.

Paula has been hailed as an able leader who had the ability and determination to bring the right people to the table to accomplish significant goals.  So many diverse groups were able to come together under her leadership.

It is fair to say that in the past many EMS professionals were likely not aware of the person who filled the role of Bureau Chief.   Paula’s very hands-on approach, great communication style and personal involvement at meetings and by making visits to local services meant that eventually, most people in EMS knew and respected her.

As for MEMSA’s relationship with Paula Kempf, she will be missed.  Paula has been a pleasure to work with.

“It has been a big relief to DHSS,” says Paula, “to have MEMSA managing the paramedic testing process and I have always considered it an honor to have been included in the awards ceremony at the Combined Clinical Conference.  I will cherish these memories.

“I must also thank all of the licensees across the state for what they do every day.  I am grateful to have been a part of this process and hope to continue our friendships for many years,” says Paula.

Beyond her retirement from the Bureau, Paula’s future includes some special time with her family. 

In addition, Barnes Jewish Christian Hospital in St. Louis has a new Surgical Quality Improvement director.  Paula takes on her new role from Boone Hospital near her home later this year.

From the MEMSA board of directors, thank you Paula for your service and leadership.  You will be missed!

EMS readers are encourage to send farewell notes to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it