Karen Yates is a Nursing Clinical Coordinator at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. In this role she serves as the Chest Pain Coordinator and EMS Liaison. She has led the hospital to successful accreditation from The Joint Commission as a Primary Heart Attack Center. Karen is a second term member of the Governors Advisory Council Cardiac Committee and serves as a Chair-Elect on the Cardiac Committee of the North Central Texas Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC). This committee facilitates cardiac care, EMS transport guidelines, public education, and quality improvement initiatives for a nineteen county region. Karen is also active with American Heart Associations Mission Life Line North Texas.

Karen has over thirty five years of experience in pre-hospital and hospital management of the acutely ill and injured patient. She has worked as a ground and fixed wing transport paramedic. Her nursing background includes ICU, ED, and trauma Medical/Surgical. Karen has worked for Methodist Health System for thirty four years, working in positions such as ED Nurse Manager, ED Educator, EMS Manager, and staff nurse.

Karen has extensive teaching experience. She holds instructor credentials in numerous nursing and EMS courses. Karen has coordinated numerous programs and courses including EMT and Paramedic training, as well as nursing and EMS conferences. She is a much sought after speaker at trauma, cardiac, emergency nurses, and EMS conferences.

In addition to her work for Methodist Health System Karen also owns and operates a continuing education company. She specializes in continuing education for EMS providers. She is also active as a volunteer with the Dallas Area Crisis Response Team, First Responder Resiliency Program and Mental Health for Heroes.