Sirens and flashing lights have been part of Dallas Tronvold’s life for a long time, actually his whole life. So, it’s understandable that 24-year-old Dallas is following in the footsteps of his dad, Alan Tronvold, who has been an EMT for 33 years. Last week, Dallas joined a select group of EMS (Emergency Medical Services) professionals by passing his exam joining the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The NREMT is nationally recognized by all 50 states, which means that all states recognize the NREMT as a valid credential for EMT license reciprocity.

Dallas is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe and has been an EVOC driver for the Wagner-Lake Andes Ambulance District for 2 years. An EVOC driver carries its own weight of responsibilities; the safe and efficient operation of the ambulance, including navigating emergency situations and transporting patients, crew, and equipment to and from medical facilities. This involves not only driving skills but also an understanding of emergency response protocols and legal considerations. Now the next chapter begins for Dallas, being the primary patient caregiver in emergency situations.

Alan Flying Hawk, W.I.O.A. Program Director for the Yankton Sioux Tribe in Wagner for the past 26 years, was excited to congratulate Dallas on his achievement. “I’m proud to see a young Native American stand up and stand out serving his community. As many young natives face employment barriers, Dallas shows that determination can prevail. He’s making a career out of something he’s cared about for a long time.”

Brandon Manchester, Mitchell Fire/ EMS Local 4166, has seen Dallas alongside his dad for years. “I’ve seen the excitement in Dallas’s eyes. Always ready for a call. Not one, but two “go” bags in his vehicle. The challenges in this profession are great. Some can do it, many cannot. I hold in high regard the Tronvold family tradition of EMS service.”

Dallas is proud of his accomplishments too, and rightly so. The NREMT course is challenging, four months of online classes two nights a week, monthly skills training and hours upon hours of reading, quizzes, essays, and tests. Sanford EMS Outreach in Sioux Falls is an EMT course provider for rural South Dakota. Paramedic and EMT Instructor Ray Burbine is an exceptional resource to his students preparing them to succeed in a field where a patient’s bad day needs you to have your best day.

EMS education doesn’t stop for Dallas by being an EMT. Dallas is CPR and AED Certified, a “Stop the Bleed” Instructor, and a Certified Ambulance Documentation Specialist. Dallas recently added an instructor certificate for Carter Kits, which are sensory bags for children with autism. “I’m passionate about EMS and respect for patients, all patients. I know some days are tough and those are the days I want to be my best. I’m always looking for training that will enhance and strengthen what I’ve learned so far and will make me better in emergency situations.” Dallas has been on over 400 local calls since starting with the ambulance service and will be adding to that number in the back of the ambulance taking care of patients.

Sanford EMS Outreach offers online EMT classes twice a year. The Fall course dates are August 26 – December 12, 2025. A grant to cover the cost of the course may still be available in rural areas. For more information, visit www. sanfordemseducation.org