Dawn Swanson
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
2020 Wisconsin Star of Life

Dawn Swanson began her career in EMS seven and a half years ago when she decided to go from owning her own beauty salon to a working full time as an EMT at Tri-State Ambulance. Looking for something more challenging and a way to help a wider variety of people, she spent two years as an EMT before going back to school to become a Paramedic in 2014. After proving herself as an effective medic, she moved on to become a Preceptor and Field Training Officer, training EMT and Paramedic students and new employees. After four years of exemplary performance in these endeavors, Dawn is now a leader in the field as a Corporal, leading the coordination of retention and recruitment efforts, scheduling employees, and working directly with management to provide top quality patient care and service to the community.

Dawn truly enjoys teaching and leading the EMTs and Paramedics at Tri-State and has received much praise from former students and trainees and her current coworkers for her patience, caring attitude, and dedication to everyone she works with. She is always willing to answer questions, sit down to review something, and take time to check in on her co-workers. She truly cares for each individual at the company and is an excellent provider. She is an outstanding example of leadership at Tri-State and has goals to continue advancing further within the organization.

When not on an ambulance, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family. Her daughter is a freshman in college and her son is a sophomore in high school and their various athletic events keep her busy. She also loves new experiences, especially traveling. We are proud to nominate Dawn as a 2020 Wisconsin Star of Life!