Cody Zehnder, Critical Care Paramedic, Gundersen Health System Ambulance

Cody was born in Fairmont, MN, and grew up with a father who served as a police officer. He himself trained as an Intermediate EMT and currently serves as the Police Chief of Caledonia, MN. His mother is an LPN employed by LHI. Cody comes from a family with a long-standing tradition in EMS, firefighting, law enforcement, and healthcare.

He began his EMS career on March 31, 2017, as a volunteer EMT with the Caledonia Ambulance Service in Minnesota. He progressed from EMT to AEMT and is currently a Paramedic. In 2018, he worked as an EMT in the Mayo Clinic ER in La Crosse. Cody earned his 68W Combat Medic MOS in August 2019 with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, having previously served 5.5 years as a tank crewmember with the Minnesota Army National Guard. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contracted to administer COVID tests and vaccines. In July 2021, he joined Gundersen ER as an EMT, achieved his paramedic license in October 2022, and made a lateral move to Gundersen Ambulance Service as a Paramedic in September 2023. In January 2025, he earned his Critical Care License, and by June 2025, he began working as a Flight Paramedic for Gundersen Air.

Cody has also played a key role in fostering outstanding relationships between surrounding healthcare facilities, setting high expectations for exceptional patient care and seamless coordination across institutions.

Although he has no children, Cody is the proud owner of a 94-pound white Labrador named Buckie. He is an avid waterfowl hunter and big game hunter, particularly passionate about deer hunting.

What truly sets Cody apart is his unwavering dedication to patient care and his ability to perform under pressure. For instance, in November 2024, while en route to work—not on duty—he responded to a roadside emergency involving a hypoxic arrest. He effectively managed the situation almost single-handedly until additional help arrived. Thanks to his swift and skilled intervention, the patient was able to walk out of Gundersen hospital approximately two weeks later. This incident exemplifies his commitment to excellence and compassion in patient care.