Meet the Team
My name is Dan Kramer, and I currently serve as the Assistant Chief of Operations for Caldwell County ESD 5, an EMS-only agency dedicated to providing high-quality emergency medical care to the residents of Caldwell County, Texas. In this role, I oversee district-level operations, clinical performance, personnel development, and agency-wide initiatives that strengthen our service delivery and support our frontline providers.
My career has been deeply rooted in the fire and emergency services profession. I have previously served as the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Schertz, the Deputy Fire Chief for Hays County ESD #3, and the Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Windcrest. In addition to my operational leadership roles, I remain committed to the advancement of public safety education through my work as an instructor with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, San Antonio College, and several EMS and fire training organizations.
My professional journey spans fire suppression, EMS, emergency management, organizational leadership, curriculum development, public policy, and strategic planning. These experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set and the ability to translate complex challenges into practical, mission-focused solutions. I hold a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Emergency Management from Sam Houston State University (2019), a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management Administration from West Texas A&M University (2017), and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technologies from Austin Community College (2016). I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Fire and Emergency Management at Oklahoma State University.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and our three incredible children, who serve as my greatest source of pride and motivation. My work with Texas Rescue Med reflects my dedication to education and allows me to focus more of my efforts at home while helping develop the future of EMS in Texas.
As a seasoned professional with a passion for service, leadership, and personal growth, I currently hold several impactful roles across the healthcare and education sectors. I serve as an Account Executive for a local home health and hospice company, where I cultivate strong relationships within the healthcare community and help connect patients and families with the care they need. In addition, I am the Chief Operations Officer of Texas Rescue Med, where I help guide organizational strategy, support student success, and empower individuals to achieve their goals in their EMS careers. I also operate a thriving marketing firm dedicated to helping small businesses elevate their brand presence and reach their full potential. Complementing these roles, I am pursuing my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration with the goal of bringing innovative, learner-centered educational methodologies to Texas Rescue Med.
My academic journey has played a foundational role in shaping my professional path. I earned my Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2015, gaining critical insight into the business principles that drive successful healthcare organizations. Before that, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas State University in 2010, which provided a strong understanding of human behavior, communication, and motivation—skills that continue to influence my leadership and patient-centered approach today.
Outside of my professional commitments, I am a proud parent to three wonderful children, and prioritizing quality time with them is an essential part of my life. I also enjoy reading, gardening, and expressing my creativity through photography. These passions offer balance, renewal, and personal growth, enriching my overall well-being and contributing to my effectiveness as a leader and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMS training?
Emergency Medical Services training refers to the education and preparation provided to individuals to equip them with the necessary skills to respond to medical emergencies. This training includes a range of techniques from basic first aid and CPR to more advanced procedures like handling trauma cases, administering medications, and using emergency equipment. EMS training is typically categorized into different levels, such as Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), and Paramedic.
How long does EMS training take?
The duration of EMS training depends on the level of certification. An EMR course might only take a few days to a couple of weeks. EMT basic training usually requires about 120 to 150 hours, which often translates to a few months of part-time study. Advanced EMT training could add another 300-400 hours beyond the basic EMT level. Paramedic training is the most extensive, often requiring 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training, which can take from six months to two years to complete, depending on the program’s intensity and the student’s schedule.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in EMS training?
Prerequisites vary by program and level of EMS training. Here at Texas Rescue Med, for EMT basic training, you must be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), have a high school diploma or GED, and be physically able to perform the duties required. We also need a background check, immunizations, a 10-panel drug screen, pre-coursework, and a CPR certification. A current EMT certification is required for higher levels of EMS training, such as AEMT or Paramedic.
What skills are taught in EMS training?
EMS training covers a wide range of medical and trauma-related skills. This includes patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, oxygen therapy, bandaging and splinting, spinal immobilization, childbirth, management of bleeding, handling of infectious diseases, and administration of certain medications. Advanced training covers more complex skills like intravenous therapy, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, and endotracheal intubation.
How do I get certified and what happens after EMS training?
After completing EMS training, you must pass a national or state examination to become certified. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is the most recognized certifying agency for EMTs and Paramedics. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for state certification or licensure (requirements vary by state). Maintaining certification typically requires continuing education and renewal every two to three years. After becoming certified, you can work in various settings, including ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, and other emergency service environments.
