Christopher Wanka

Background

About Christopher Wanka

Chris is currently a Physician Assistant in the metro-DC area. He has specific interests in prehospital and hospital emergency medicine, trauma, and critical care. As a former EMS professional, Chris was an EMT for several years prior to undergoing paramedic training. He has experience as a field-level ALS provider with two busy agencies within the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, as well as experience as a first-line EMS supervisor. Chris is also a paramedic instructor with Prince George's Community College assisting with the practical lab exercises and delivering course lectures on topics such as EMS Operations, cell biology, neurologic emergencies and other topics as needed. Chris is a former fire service professional who began his fire and EMS experience in South Florida before relocating to the Metropolitan DC area. He has experience with both career and combination/volunteer fire & EMS systems. He has experience with structural and aircraft fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigation operations. Chris has experience as a driver/operator of multiple types of emergency vehicles and specialty apparatus. He has experience collaborating on projects as part of the ARFF Working Group, and as part of regional fire/EMS projects with other public safety agencies and healthcare organizations within the Northern Virginia area. Chris also served as president of IAFF Local 3217 prior to attending graduate school. He had previously served in shift representative and executive board roles within the union. As a union officer and leader he was responsible for preparing and managing grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and other labor and management negotiations as they arose. Local 3217 represented over 130 firefighters and captains for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department.