Elements Unleashed:
The NorthPoint Open Air Conference

"Unplugged" Outdoor Education

September 25 & 26, 2026

Cuyuna State Recreation Area - Portsmouth Campground
This event is geared towards EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics!

Join us for an unforgettable weekend at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area!

This isn’t your typical conference — no slide decks or tech issues, no uniforms or business casual. Just fresh air, open minds, and hands-on education from experienced clinicians. Come as you are and learn from experts in an “unplugged,” distraction-free environment designed to spark connection, curiosity, and real growth.

Day 1 Schedule

0700-0800 - Check-in

0800-0830 - Keynote

0830-1600 - Day 1 Sessions

1600 - Daily Dismissal / Free Time

The regular sessions will end at this time. Take this opportunity to check out the areasites, recreation area, bike trails, or grab something to eat at one of the great spots inthe area!

You can also perform your BLS skills check-off with one of the on-site NorthPoint Instructors after this time.

If you are camping on site for the weekend, this is also a time to just hang out withyour family. We will have some yard games set up and a campfire going for a relaxed, family friendly, socializing atmosphere.

Day 2 Schedule

0800-0830 - Keynote

0830-1045 - Morning Sessions

1100-1145 - Lunch On-site

1200-1415 - Afternoon Sessions

1500-1600 - MART Demonstration

MN Air Rescue Team will present information about their program, you can tour their aircraft and ask questions, and they will give a demonstration (Weather dependent).

1600 - Dismissal

Speakers

Ty Wiegman
NRP, FP-C, TP-C, Educator

Ty has been in EMS since 2005, starting as an EMR for a rural service in western MN. For the last 15 years he has worked as a paramedic for multiple different agencies; law enforcement, fire, and HEMS. He holds an Associate's Degree in Paramedicine, and a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Management. Ty has a passion for prehospital healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas.

John Fox
NRP, Educator

John Fox has over 30 years of EMS experience including positions in direct patient care, supervisory, leadership, and education. Much of John’s EMS experience has been in the rural setting. He has worked in ground 911 / Interfacility Critical Care, Aeromedical, and Fire Based organizations. John is involved in a number of regional committees and task forces including the Rural EMS Sustainability joint workgroup of the EMSRB / Minnesota Department of Health / Minnesota Ambulance Association. In his off time, John spends weeks every year in the woods and on the waters including remote wilderness settings.

Linda Palcich-Wald
NRP, FP-C

Hi, I’m Linda! I’ve been in EMS since 2018, when I started out as an EMT and firefighter with the Virginia Fire Department. A couple of years later, I moved into the paramedic role and spent five years gaining experience in fire, rescue, and tactical operations. While there, I joined the department’s brand-new USAR team (now MN Task Force 2), where I trained as a rope rescue, structural collapse, and trench rescue technician. I also served as a tactical paramedic with the St. Louis County Emergency Response Team. In 2021, I joined the Army Reserves and trained as both an Army Medic and Audiology Technician — because why do just one thing? These days, I work full time as a Flight Paramedic with Life Link III. I also pick up ground shifts and work as a trainer on the Chisholm Ambulance Service. I’m all about staying hands-on in EMS, and I’ve found that teaching is one of the best ways to give back to the field. I love sharing knowledge, learning from others, and helping crews stay sharp and confident in what they do.

Austin Ohren
NREMT, Educator

Austin is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician and has been involved in the public safety sector for over 10 years. Austin has been Nationally Registered since 2017. Austin has also been a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota for 8 years and has been involved in law enforcement for over 14 years. Austin holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice leadership and is pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice - public management and leadership. Austin has been involved in EMS Education since 2018 and has a Department of Transportation-Instructor certification. Austin enjoys instructing various EMS Topics including AHA CPR and AED, First Aid, EMR, EMT, Basic Tactical Medicine, and many other continuing education courses.

SESSIONS:

Day 1 Keynote - Fit for Duty
What does fit for duty look like to you? Is it physical strength? Emotional resilience? Relentless learning? It takes apowerful blend of all these elements to forge a first responder who can think clearly, move decisively, and perform underpressure. Yet life doesn’t slow down for the job, and both personal and professional challenges can chip away at ourreadiness. Let's dig into what fit for duty truly means and why mastering it is essential for your safety, your team’s success, and the people counting on you.

Basecamp Basics
This course trains first responders to safely endure an unexpected night in the wilderness while caring for a victim.Participants learn essential survival skills such as shelter building, fi re craft, navigation, and environmental hazardawareness. The class emphasizes patient stabilization, protection from the elements, and maintaining responder safetyin remote conditions.

Backcountry Medicine Cabinet
This course introduces wilderness first responders to the safe, appropriate use of common over-the-counter medications in remote settings. Students learn how these medications can support patient comfort and manage minorconditions when advanced care is delayed. Instruction covers general purposes, precautions, and decisionmaking in thebackcountry. Scenario discussions help responders apply these principles responsibly while working with limited resources.

Radio Ready
Learn about the 800 MHz network and Minnesota’s statewide radio infrastructure. Explore how the system works, why itmatters for public safety, and what makes it unique. Throughout the session, you’ll have the chance to ask questionsand dig into realworld scenarios. Our resident radio expert will
guide you through the often confusing world of radio communications and help you build confidence in using the system effectively.

Trauma on the Trail
This course equips first responders with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to assess and manage awide range of traumatic injuries and environmental emergencies. Participants explore mechanisms of injury, bleedingcontrol, shock management, and musculoskeletal trauma. They also will learn to recognize and respond to heat and cold related incidents.

Water Rescue Fundamentals
This course equips first responders with the essential skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively respond to water related emergencies. Participants learn to assess aquatic hazards, perform shorebased and inwater rescuetechniques, and coordinate with multiagency teams during rescue operations. Emphasis is placed on responder safety,victim management, and incident command integration. By the end of the course, responders will be prepared to make rapid, informed decisions that protect both victims and rescue personnel during water accidents.

Registration Includes:
-16 hours CE (Or 16 hour EMR Recertification)
-Lunch Saturday & Sunday
-Goodie Bag
-Water bottle
-T-Shirt
-Park pass valid only for days of the event

*Registration limited to 40 participants!
**Participants must attend both days to receive credit
***Camping is a first-come, first served reservation. Reservations open 120 days in advance. It is the participantsresponsibility to reserve their own campsite if they choose to camp for the weekend.https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/#!park/81/1000