Ryan Kern
Preparing for a career in emergency nursing, disaster response, and backcountry medicine.
My career has been shaped by a fascination with how people and systems perform under pressure. I began in the brewing industry, where I developed a strong foundation in operational excellence, safety, and workforce education. As the Operations Training Specialist for Deschutes Brewery, I designed training programs, standardized procedures, and led initiatives that improved performance by making complex information practical, accessible, and repeatable. Those experiences taught me that effective outcomes depend as much on preparation and teamwork as they do on technical expertise.
That perspective naturally led me toward emergency medical services and nursing. Today, I work as an EMT providing patient care during interfacility transport while also teaching future EMTs as a laboratory instructor. These roles have strengthened my clinical judgment, communication, and ability to remain calm in dynamic environments while reinforcing my belief that education and preparation are essential components of quality patient care.
Outside of my professional work, I serve with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Organization, where I support wilderness rescue operations as a ground searcher, medical team member, K9 handler and assistant team coordinator of the resillience team. Working in remote environments has reinforced the importance of adaptability, disciplined decision-making, and caring for patients with limited resources under challenging conditions.
As I complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at OHSU, I am building a career focused on emergency nursing, disaster response, and austere medicine. My goal is to serve communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises by combining strong clinical skills with operational leadership, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to perform effectively in high-acuity environments where preparation, teamwork, and resilience matter most.
Education
Oregon Health & Science University
2026
Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Training Industries
2020
Certified Professional of Training Management
The American Brewers Guild
2010
Certificate of Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering
The George Washington University
2009
B.A. Psychology, cum laude
Professional Experience
Critical Care EMT - Transport Division | Adventure Medics Inc.
2024 - 2026
- Assessed and monitored patient status during interfacility transport, recognizing and reporting changes in condition
- Prioritized patient safety by anticipating care needs, identifying potential risks, and responding appropriately to changing clinical situations
- Provided compassionate care while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and accurate clinical documentation
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure safe patient transfers, effective handoffs, and continuity of care
Emergency Medical Services Lab Instructor | Central Oregon Community College
2024 - present
- Instruct and mentor EMT students in hands-on clinical skills, patient assessment, and emergency procedures during laboratory sessions
- Demonstrate and evaluate competency in airway management, trauma care, and patient assessment using evidence-based practices.
- Provide coaching and constructive feedback to promote clinical reasoning, skill proficiency, and confidence in high-acuity scenarios.
- Foster a safe, collaborative learning environment while ensuring adherence to program standards, safety protocols, and professionalism
CPR, AED and First Aid Trainer | American Heart Association
2020 - 2022
- Trained and certified adults to perform essential life saving techniques
- Administered course content using visual and hands-on training aids
- Tailored sessions to support learners' recreational pursuits and anticipated applications
Operations Training Specialist | Deschutes Brewery Inc.
2018 - 2022
- Developed and managed engaging, effective training programs across all brewery departments
- Worked cross-functionally to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety by leveraging best practices and standardizing processes
- Formed and led training teams to enhance technical training modules, identify and fill gaps, and track progress
- Administered company-wide SOP program
Brewing Training Lead | Deschutes Brewery Inc.
2015 - 2018
- Managed the Brewing Training Program, provided ongoing training for existing employees and onboarded new hires to competency on core brewing operations
- Assisted with successful ERP implementation from the design phase through go-live
- Collaborated with quality assurance, packaging and shipping teams to achieve successful product delivery
Production Brewer | Deschutes Brewery Inc.
2014 - 2015
- Followed detailed recipes and protocols to produce award-winning beer, handled raw materials across multiple brewing phases, including wort production, fermentation, and clarification
- Coordinated with cellar and brewhouse managers to optimize operations and meet production schedule deadlines
- Participated in ingredient and hop selection, ordering, and recipe management
Production Brewer | Rogue Ales
2011 - 2014
- Performed general brewing duties including DE filtration, CIP, yeast management, and QC/ QA sampling
- Developed recipes, trained new employees, and created standard operating procedures
- Operated a 100bbl BrauKon semi-automated brewhouse and executed troubleshooting measures as needed
Training Coordinator | GW Trails
2008 - 2009
- Planned and organized Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace training programs
- Recruited and trained guide staff members
- Planned, marketed, and safely led outdoor trips for the George Washington University community
Wilderness Field Instructor | SUWS of the Carolinas
2006 - 2008
- Ensured the physical and psychological safety of at-risk youth in a wilderness setting
- Instructed students on wilderness survival skills and recreational backpacking
- Facilitated individual therapeutic outcomes with trained oversight
Nonprofit Engagement
Team Member | Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Organization
2020 - present
- Oregon State Sheriff's Association Search and Rescue resource
- Serving as a K9 handler and flanker, medical team BLS member, back country ski team, ATV team member and general type-2 searcher
- Founding member and Assistant Team Coordinator of the Resilience Team
- Deployed in 70+ missions with an additional 2000+ hours of training completed.
Safety Officer | Desert Air Riders
2015 - 2021
- Led risk mitigation efforts for the local nonprofit paragliding club
- Instructed reserve parachute repack clinics
- Represented the Desert Air Riders and local flying sites to the Unites States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA)
Participant | Bike and Build
2010
- Raised more than $4,000 to support affordable housing projects
- Cycled 4,700 miles from South Carolina to California
- Stopped to build homes enroute with Habitat for Humanity and other affordable housing nonprofits
- Acquired nearly permanent tan lines
Languages
Spanish (basic)
French (beginner)
Morse Code (enthusiast)
General Skills
Clinical
- Patient Assessment
- Clinical Judgment
- Triage
- Trauma & Emergency Care
- Patient Safety
- Clinical Documentation
Leadership & Education
- Team Leadership
- Clinical Instruction
- Mentorship
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Public Speaking
- Patient Education
Disaster & Operational
- Search & Rescue Operations
- Disaster Response
- Incident Command System (ICS-100)
- National Incident Management Systems (NIMS-700)
- Wilderness Medicine
- Risk Assessment
- High-Reliability Teamwork
Press Mentions
USHPA Pilot | Responding to Accidents and Trauma
by Ryan Kern
A self-authored article published in the U.S. Hangliding and Paragliding Association's periodical, presenting tools for coping with and responding to traumatic accidents within the sport.
Inyo Register | Hiker Rescued From High Country
by Register Staff
An article about the life-saving efforts and subsequent search and rescue operation carried out by two of my backpacking companions and myself for a fellow hiker.
Published Online | Paraglider Pilot Makes Nye Beach Flight
by Larry Coonrod
An article published online about a paragliding flight I made along the Central Oregon coast. Apparently landing near a journalist may result in an interview.
Marin Independent Journal | Biker-builders nail Chico leg of journey
by Staff Writer
An article about the group of riders I biked across the country with, our mission, actions, and attitudes.
