Interim Chair EMS Department
BS, NREMT-P
With hands-on experience as a dedicated Medic in the 911 emergency system, Carmen Curtz brings a wealth of expertise in providing critical medical care during high-pressure situations. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Portland State University, Carmen combines a strong educational foundation with a passion for serving the community and aiding individuals in their times of greatest need. Carmen has honed a deep understanding of medical emergencies, demonstrating unwavering compassion while delivering life-saving care to human beings. This extensive real-world experience not only equips Carmen with exceptional medical skills but also a unique ability to communicate effectively under duress.
Carmen is a dedicated educator who finds fulfillment in sharing practical knowledge acquired from the field. This passion for teaching extends from the streets to the classroom, where Carmen empowers aspiring medical professionals with insights drawn from real-life scenarios. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Carmen inspires students to approach their careers with a blend of technical proficiency and critical thinking. Connect with Carmen to tap into a wealth of practical knowledge, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to serving the community through expertise in the most critical moments.
BS, NREMT-P
Holly joined as an instructor for OIT's EMS department in July 2022. She completed paramedic school in Vancouver, Washington back in 2004 and worked a for decade as a Paramedic for AMR in Clark County. During her stint in the ambulance, she spent her days off taking classes at the local community college to achieve an associate degree in Paramedicine. Following her associate degree, she began a second job as a Paramedic in the ED at OHSU. The experience she gained working with the level 1 trauma team was huge for her career, as it greatly enhanced her knowledge of emergency medicine. After two years of this, Holly decided to pursue her passion for teaching and has been dedicated to EMS education ever since. She continued her education to receive a bachelor’s degree in human development with an interest in psychology. She thrives in education as both an educator and student and is always looking for opportunities to humble herself and learn.
Todd Ellingson
MD FACEP
Medical Director
Dept of Emergency Medicine
OHSU Health, Hillsboro Medical Center
Todd Ellingson is the Medical Director for the OHSU / Oregon Tech Paramedic Education Program. He is the Medical Director at the OHSU Health Hillsboro Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, and is also a Vice-Chair in the OHSU Dept of Emergency Medicine. Todd completed his residency training at the University of Chicago, where he worked as a flight doc, and has also completed a teaching fellowship focused on simulation training at OHSU.
BS, NREMT-P
Chris Hamper is a Nationally Registered and Oregon State Paramedic, educator, and academic. He is passionate about advancing emergency medical services by bridging the gap between research in community health and EMS practice. Chris uses the facilitated-debriefing technique as a cornerstone of his educational philosophy to engage and encourage all learners to grow and mature. His focus on multi-disciplinary team building brings professionals together to accomplish text book development, primary research, high-fidelity medical simulations, and implement community-based health interventions. Chris has been asked to present at local, national, and international conferences on community paramedicine / mobile integrated healthcare. He holds a faculty position in the Department of Emergency Medical Services at Oregon Health and Sciences University / Oregon Tech. Chris was awarded Magna Cum Laude along with his Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Portland State University and Oregon Health and Sciences University.
Joe joined the OIT EMS department as a faculty member in July 2024. Prior to joining the EMS Department at OIT, Joe worked as a paramedic in Pierce County, Washington State from 2019 to 2023. Joe also teaches for NOLS Wilderness Medicine, where he has taught a variety of wilderness medicine courses since 2017, emphasizing extended patient care in remote settings. Joe served for 17 years as a U.S. Army Infantry and Special Forces officer, having deployed overseas in both peacetime and combat environments. While on active duty, Joe taught both Economics and Comparative Politics at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. In addition to teaching academic subjects at West Point, Joe trained the cadets on leadership in preparation for their roles as officers in front-line tactical units. Joe holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from West Point and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Joe is an alumnus of the Paramedic Education Program from Oregon Tech-Oregon Health and Science University (2018).
All instructional staff successfully completed the National Association of EMS Educators: EMS Instructor Course. Most have formal academic training in adult learning / pedagogy, and have an extensive amount of experience teaching all levels of EMS responders. Most instructional staff hold BLS, PHTLS, AMLS, PALS, and ACLS instructor credentials, and are current members of the National Association of EMS Educators.