EMS One-Stop

In this international edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes Lewis Andrews, the chief operating officer of the United Kingdom's College of Paramedics, for an insightful discussion on two major topics shaping global paramedicine. First up is International Paramedic Day, taking place on July 8, 2025. Now in its third year, the day honors the contribution of paramedics across the world and draws its inspiration from the birthday of Dominique-Jean Larrey, the father of battlefield ambulance care. Lewis explains how the day has grown from 50 initial partners to over 150 global organizations, with this year's theme being “Unity and community.” The day aims to raise awareness of the profession, share innovations and bring together the global paramedic community. MORE | How community paramedicine is thriving in the UK: Dr. Linda Dykes and Rom Duckworth discuss trans-Atlantic lessons in emergency management In the second half of the show, Lewis delves into the structure and significance of the College of Paramedics, which represents nearly half of the UK's registered paramedics. He describes how the UK paramedic profession is regulated and protected by law, with a rigorous educational pathway that now includes the potential for prescribing paramedics and direct-to-primary-care tracks. Rob and Lewis explore how paramedics in the UK are increasingly working beyond emergency ambulances — in GP surgeries, urgent care centers and academic roles. Their conversation offers a rich comparison point for U.S. EMS leaders seeking to elevate paramedicine through autonomy, education and broader clinical roles. Memorable quotes “This is not a commercial platform — this is about us celebrating us.” — Lewis Andrews, on the ethos of International Paramedic Day “Let's not reinvent the wheel, but let's look at what the wheel is for the environment that it's required to roll in.” — Lewis Andrews, on global EMS collaboration “The title ‘paramedic' is protected by law in the UK — you can't simply do a first aid course and call yourself one.” — Rob Lawrence “Autonomy — in a word — that's what makes a prescribing paramedic.” — Lewis Andrews, on expanding paramedic roles “We're also promoting the profession to those who don't yet know they want to be in the profession.” — Lewis Andrews, on recruitment and professional identity “We have a career framework … that actually shows that you can develop from that day one newly qualified right through to a consultant paramedic, chief paramedic, director, professor.” — Lewis Andrews Episode timeline 00:55 – Introduction to International Paramedic Day (IPD) and its origins 02:17 – Why July 8 was chosen: Dominique-Jean Larrey's birthday 03:02 – Growth of IPD from 50 to over 150 partners 05:06 – 2025 theme: “Unity and community” and sub-objectives 06:45 – How to participate: share stories, use hashtags (#UnityAndCommunity and #IPD2025), connect globally 08:58 – The global nature of IPD and U.S. partners' involvement 11:25 – Promoting awareness and the importance of celebrating paramedics 12:50 – Part 2 — The role of the College of Paramedics 14:09 – Overview of College functions: CPD, representation, research, advocacy 18:15 – Registration with HCPC, protected title and the regulator's role 21:12 – Paramedic education in the UK: degree pathways, demand and cost 23:46 – Discussion on streaming directly into primary care roles 27:09 – Career framework: from graduate paramedic to chief paramedic/professor 30:16 – Prescribing paramedics: autonomy and improved patient experience 33:08 – Recap and call to action: visit www.internationalparamedicsday.com 34:17 – Like, subscribe and engage ADDITIONAL RESOURCES International Paramedics Day Resources UK College of Paramedics The standards of proficiency for paramedics RATE & REVIEW Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

In this vital episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky and attorney Doug Wolfberg of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth for a deep-dive into three financial flashpoints currently impacting EMS. First, the trio unpack the launch of the new PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, a quarterly report leveraging billing and revenue cycle data from over 1,500 agencies nationwide. This unprecedented benchmarking tool allows EMS leaders to measure performance against regional and national trends, uncovering actionable insights into billing strategies, reimbursement rates, payer mixes and the economics of service delivery. It's a critical step in helping agencies justify their value and improve their financial sustainability. Next, the discussion turns to MedPAC — the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission — and its controversial response to cost data submitted by ambulance services under the CMS Ground Ambulance Data Collection System. Doug Wolfberg explains how MedPAC discarded over half of the data, labeling higher-cost services — often rural or government-run — as outliers. This move could justify lower or stagnant Medicare fee increases, potentially devastating many providers. Finally, attention shifts to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” moving through Congress and now on its way to the Senate that would eliminate or severely restrict enhanced Medicaid funding mechanisms, such as supplemental payments and provider taxes. If passed, this legislation would reduce reimbursement for millions of transports, triggering funding crises across EMS systems — particularly in states like California and Illinois. The episode delivers a clear message: EMS leaders must prepare, advocate and act now. Episode timeline 00:41 – Rob introduces the three main topics: the PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, MedPAC's response to ambulance data and a major federal bill impacting Medicaid 01:59 – Part 1 — PWW|AG/EMS|MC Financial Index 03:37 – Matt explains that the index is built using data from over 1,500 EMS agencies via EMS|MC 05:43 – The importance of regional benchmarking 08:22 – First major finding: dramatic variation in ALS billing rates across regions 09:30 – Key insight: agencies that bill more tend to collect more revenue — agencies are encouraged to determine their true cost of service and align billing accordingly 12:37 – Collection percentage is debunked as a misleading metric; focus should be on dollars collected 15:36 – ALS vs. BLS billing levels explained, with a look ahead to Q2's emergency-only data set 18:48 – How EMS agencies can better engage with insurers to cover non-transport and MIH services 20:46 – Part 2 — MedPAC 22:24 – Doug outlines how MedPAC discarded over half of the reported ambulance cost data 25:00 – Explanation of which data was discarded and why — primarily high-cost, rural and government-based services 28:22 – Doug asserts MedPAC is using cherry-picked data to suppress reimbursement increases 30:10 – Rob and Doug emphasize that EMS gave MedPAC quality input, but MedPAC is producing garbage output 32:08 – Doug outlines what MedPAC will do next and what EMS leaders must do in response 34:40 – Strong call to action: educate Congress, use real CMS data and don't accept MedPAC's narrative 36:59 – Doug emphasizes the importance of evidence-based deployment strategies for financial sustainability 37:31 – Part 3 — “One Big Beautiful Bill” 38:19 – Matt outlines how the bill would drastically limit Medicaid supplemental payments 39:43 – Federal/state Medicaid match rates explained with California as an example 42:51 – The looming reckoning: local governments may have to pay to maintain current EMS service levels 46:02 – Matt warns that the bill could trigger PAYGO cuts to Medicare as well 47:16 – Agencies are urged to plan now, talk to their communities and adjust operations 48:06 – Doug adds that pressure on U.S. senators, especially in red states, could still influence the bill 51:26 – Close and call to action Final takeaway This episode underscores that EMS cannot remain reactive — leaders must proactively use data, engage legislators and educate their communities on the true cost of care. The EMS Financial Index, the MedPAC dismissal, and the pending bill all point to a critical need for informed, strategic advocacy.

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with returning guest Chief Robbie MacCue of Colonie EMS (New York) to explore the transformative potential of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal grant program. Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, SS4A aims to prevent roadway fatalities and enhance post-crash care. With $5 billion available nationwide and $900 million still on the table for FY25, this conversation is a call to action for EMS agencies across the country. Chief MacCue shares the story of how his department, in collaboration with neighboring EMS and police agencies, secured $2.4 million in SS4A funding for a project focused on innovative vehicle alert systems, prehospital health information exchange and groundwork for whole blood deployment. From demystifying the grant application to defining success metrics and compliance reporting, this episode breaks it all down — turning policy into practice, and complexity into impact. Memorable quotes “I was pretty taken back by the statistic that 40% of these patients were alive when EMS arrived and later died. Those are patients that are talking to us that are no longer living after a crash.” — Robbie MacCue “This isn't free money. It comes with reporting requirements, match funding and responsibility — but there's help out there, and it's absolutely worth it.” — Robbie MacCue “Our goal is to go upstream to the source of the problem. How do we stop the bleeding? How do we stop some of these accidents from actually happening?” — Robbie MacCue “We put a two-page narrative together that generated a $3,000,000 regional application … based on simple principles about statistics.” — Robbie MacCue “Post-crash care is definitely a missing element in the Safe System Approach … and EMS needs to be part of the solution, not just the response.” — Robbie MacCue “You don't have to have all the solutions right away. You just have to have the initiative to get with other like-minded people.” — Robbie MacCue “This project isn't just for crashes. It will also help us with high-utilizer patients and improve reimbursement accuracy by connecting data silos.” — Robbie MacCue “Somebody emailed me in the week to say that the EMS One-Stop podcast is the podcast that's able to turn a very complex EMS topic into a car bumper sticker. So there you go. If we're doing that and we can achieve that, then we're getting somewhere.” — Rob Lawrence Episode timeline 00:00-02:00 – Intro to SS4A and the scale of available funding ($5B) 02:00-04:00 – Why post-crash care matters: 42% of patients alive at EMS arrival die later 04:00-07:00 – How Colonie EMS discovered and approached the SS4A opportunity 07:00-10:00 – Building a regional grant application and tripling the funding 10:00-13:30 – Overview of the proposed project – transponder tech, health information exchange and whole blood 13:30-17:00 – Specific technology being explored and integration challenges 17:00-20:00 – Working with MPOs, consultants and navigating acronyms 20:00-25:00 – Finding the 20% match, leveraging in-kind contributions and funding timelines 25:00-30:00 – Federal reporting requirements and budgeting with SF-424A 30:00-35:00 – The big goal: Closing the outcome data loop and EMS-hospital data sharing 35:00-40:00 – Measuring success, from whole blood to vehicle alerts 40:00-42:30 – Robbie's final advice: “Don't be intimidated — reach out and apply.” ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SS4A Application Portal & Resources: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation NHTSA's Office of Emergency Medical Services | EMS.gov Lexipol Grants Support Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) database

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence kicks off a special series spotlighting national EMS associations, beginning with a deep dive into the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA). His guest, Donnie Woodyard Jr., executive director, Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, brings decades of EMS experience and leadership to the table to demystify what the EMS Compact is, how it operates, and why it matters to the profession today. From improving workforce mobility to protecting public safety during disasters, Woodyard Jr. provides clarity on this critical multi-state agreement. The conversation covers everything from how EMS Compact came to be, to the significance of national registry standards, disaster response logistics, interstate licensure, and even leadership lessons from Woodyard Jr.'s latest book project, “Leadership in action: The Wisdom and stories of EMS innovators”. Whether you're a field provider or policymaker, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how collaborative legislation can shape the future of EMS. In the episode, Woodyard Jr. candidly addresses the ongoing debate in North Carolina over transitioning from a state-only EMS certification exam to exclusive use of the National Registry. Woodyard Jr., while respectful of North Carolina's long-standing EMS tradition, emphasizes the importance of national consistency. He acknowledged that the proposed legislation needed amendments, particularly around grandfathering existing providers, but stood firm in his belief that a single, legally defensible national standard is essential for provider mobility and professional integrity. Drawing on real-world examples, Woodyard Jr. described how providers are often caught off guard when relocating — only to discover their credentials aren't accepted elsewhere. “Maintaining a state-only exam is harmful to individuals,” he said, calling for unified testing standards that support workforce movement and strengthens the profession nationwide. Memorable quotes from Donnie Woodyard Jr “Every EMT and paramedic in the United States should go through a fingerprint background check. You know, babysitters have to do it. Teachers have to do it. EMS personnel absolutely should do it.” “Maintaining a state-only exam is harmful to individuals. It limits their mobility.” “When you waive that requirement for licensure, you actually are removing essential elements of public protection and accountability.” Timeline 00:21 – Rob introduces the series on national EMS associations and welcomes Donnie Woodyard, Jr. 01:55 – Woodyard, Jr.shares his EMS journey from volunteer in Virginia to international disaster medicine and state leadership 03:41 – What is the EMS Compact and how does it work? 06:38 – Challenges of multistate EMS licensing pre-Compact 08:00 – Explaining the driver's license analogy and compact accountability 11:17 – EMAC vs. EMS Compact for disaster response and liability concerns 15:31 – National Registry and grandfathering provisions 17:30 – Arkansas joins as the 25th compact state 18:56 – Model legislation and how states join the compact 21:22 – What REPLICA stands for and its legislative origin 22:20 – What California (and other non-compact states) should consider 24:33 – National Registry debate: North Carolina's challenges and Woodyard, Jr.'s response 27:52 – Mobility, workforce attrition and job-sharing innovation 30:11 – The Commission and national EMS-coordinated database 35:17 – Final thoughts on fragmentation, collaboration and EMS unity 36:41 – Woodyard, Jr.'s leadership book, EMS charity support and Secretary Panetta's forward 41:08 – Closing remarks and contact information Additional resources Learn more about the EMS Compact “Leadership in action: The Wisdom and stories of EMS innovators”, by Donnie Woodyard Jr. “The future of emergency medical services: Artificial intelligence, technology & innovation”, by Donnie Woodyard Jr.

In this special data-driven edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Brent Myers, chief medical officer, ESO, and Dr. Remle Crowe, ESO's director of clinical and operational research, to unpack the newly released 2025 ESO EMS Index. This annual report provides a powerful, real-world snapshot of national EMS trends — drawing on more than 14 million anonymized records to surface opportunities for clinical and operational improvement. The conversation dives into key metrics that move beyond response times and into areas like pain management, opioid overdoses, airway confirmation, obstetric emergencies, whole blood use, pediatric behavioral health and high-utilization patient populations. Throughout the episode, Drs. Myers and Crowe share the motivation behind each metric, explain how the data was gathered and analyzed, and reflect on how EMS agencies can use these insights to guide better care delivery and system design. From confronting equity in pain management, to pushing forward innovations like buprenorphine administration and whole blood programs, this is a compelling call to turn data into meaningful change. Timeline 01:08 – Overview of the ESO EMS Index and its intent 02:59 – Origins of the report and data methodology 05:46 – Database scale: 14M+ records, 3,000+ agencies 07:14 – Metric 1: Pain management for long bone fractures 10:53 – Documentation, AI in EMS, and future documentation tools 14:30 – Metric 2: Suspected opioid overdose and buprenorphine use 18:51 – Best practices, COWS scoring, and naloxone delivery strategy 21:31 – Metric 3: Invasive airway confirmation using waveform capnography 28:06 – Metric 4: Obstetric emergencies (postpartum hemorrhage & hypertension) 34:34 – Metric 5: Prehospital whole blood surveillance 40:22 – Metric 6: Pediatric behavioral health and substance use disorder cases 44:54 – Metric 7: High utilization patient group (HUG) 52:48 – Final thoughts, calls to action, and Rob's reflections 55:47 – Episode wrap-up and subscription reminder

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Christine Carico and Dr. Matt Levy to discuss the peer-reviewed paper, “Nationwide Trends in Prehospital Blood Product Use After Injury.” The paper, published in “Transfusion” in April 2025, explores the use of blood products in prehospital trauma care. Despite the proven benefits of blood transfusion in the field, their research uncovers the alarming reality that less than 1% of eligible patients receive prehospital blood products. This conversation dives into the study's methodology, key findings and the significant barriers EMS systems face in implementing blood transfusion protocols. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of EMS in trauma care, regional variations in blood product access, and the future of prehospital blood transfusion programs. Dr. Carico and Dr. Levy break down their work and reflect on the data, explaining how the study used National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) data to identify trauma patients who would have benefited from blood transfusions. The episode delves into the operational challenges EMS systems face in obtaining and administering blood products in the field, the financial and logistical obstacles, and the potential life-saving impact of more widespread adoption of these protocols. Timeline 00:00 – Intro and welcome: Rob Lawrence introduces Dr. Matt Levy and Dr. Christine Carico, setting up the discussion on prehospital blood product use 03:00 – Study overview: Dr. Carico explains the methodology of the study, focusing on the use of NEMSIS data and the inclusion criteria for the patient population 07:00 – Key findings: Dr. Carico reveals the key findings of the paper, including the low percentage of eligible patients receiving prehospital blood products 11:00 – Barriers to implementation: Dr. Levy discusses the main barriers to the widespread implementation of blood transfusion protocols in the field, including access to blood, logistics and training 17:00 – Regional variations: The speakers touch on the regional disparities in blood product availability and the differences in protocols across the country 23:00 – Data challenges: Dr. Levy and Dr. Carico discuss the challenges related to data accuracy, particularly in terms of blood product documentation 27:00 – Cost and reimbursement: Dr. Levy addresses the financial aspects of blood product programs, including cost, reimbursement challenges and funding opportunities 32:00 – The future of blood transfusion in EMS: Dr. Levy envisions the future of prehospital blood transfusion programs, including the potential for shelf-stable blood products and regional blood supply systems 37:00 – Closing thoughts: Both guests offer their final thoughts on the importance of continued research and data collection, and the need for EMS to embrace a more integrated role in acute care Additional whole blood resources Carico C, Annesi C, Clay Mann N, Levy MJ, et al. “Nationwide trends in prehospital blood product use after injury,” 2025. Transfusion – Wiley Online Library Tracking the whole blood landscape as updated guidelines allow EMS to carry and administer whole blood EMS One-Stop: Stop the bleed, fill the tank – The New Orleans EMS blood program Insider analysis: Delaware's statewide whole blood rollout sets a new EMS standard Whole blood in EMS promises a revolution in resuscitation: How one county agency is saving lives with prehospital transfusions Matthew Levy | LinkedIn Christine Carico | LinkedIn

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Deputy Director Tracey Loscar from Mat-Su Borough EMS in Alaska. Together, they discuss the looming threat of Mount Spurr, a volcano located 75 miles west of Anchorage, which is currently showing signs of potential eruption. Loscar provides insights into disaster management and preparedness in a region where EMS operations are stretched across vast, remote territories. The conversation also touches on how to plan for the unexpected, especially in an environment with limited resources and harsh geographical challenges. This episode delves into the logistical challenges faced by EMS in the face of volcanic activity and offers critical lessons in disaster management. TIMELINE 00:22 – Rob Lawrence welcomes Deputy Director Tracey Loscar and sets the stage for a discussion on disaster management in Alaska 02:10 – Loscar gives a brief overview of Mat-Su Borough and its proximity to Mount Spurr 04:01 –Loscar discusses her transition from Newark, New Jersey, to Mat-Su Borough and the challenges of EMS in rural Alaska 06:00 – Lawrence and Loscar discuss the vast distances and limited resources available in the region 08:01 – Loscar explains the preparations for the potential ash fallout from Mount Spur, including messaging to the community and respiratory protection 10:04 – The conversation shifts to the nature of volcanic ash and the practical challenges it presents to infrastructure, vehicles and personal health 14:36 – Loscar shares lessons learned from previous seismic events, such as the 2018 earthquake, and emphasizes the importance of clear communication during disasters 17:06 – Lawrence and Loscar discuss EMS liaison roles and the need for better coordination between dispatch, EDs and field teams 18:01 – Loscar talks about the current status of the Mount Spur eruption, with no immediate risk but preparations ongoing, and discusses how Alaskans stay calm and prepared in the face of frequent natural events, from earthquakes to volcanic eruptions 20:03 – Loscar highlights the importance of including pets in emergency plans, emphasizing the need for respiratory protection for animals 21:00 – The role of pantyhose in volcano preparedness RATE AND REVIEW Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, recorded live from the ABC 360 and XI Conference, host Rob Lawrence chats with keynote speaker Catherine Kuhlmann, a firefighter-paramedic with over 26 years of experience.   Kuhlmann discusses the importance of understanding both internal and external customer service in EMS, emphasizing the need for a healthy organizational culture to ensure the best patient care. She reflects on the profound impact that first responders can have on individuals, drawing from her own experiences and personal tragedies to highlight the emotional resilience required in the profession.   Rob also speaks with Page Wolfberg & Wirth's PWW/AG Principal Doug Wolfberg, long-time EMS lawyer and educator, about lessons learned from working in and around law enforcement during patient care. Wolfberg provides actionable insights into how EMS professionals can better collaborate with police officers, ensuring that patient care remains a priority while navigating complex, high-stress situations. Together, Kuhlmann and Wolfberg offer invaluable perspectives on fostering better patient advocacy, maintaining professional integrity and refining EMS protocols to adapt to new challenges. MEMORABLE QUOTES “How many careers, professions are there that, more often than not, you can make somebody's worst day their best?" — Catherine Kuhlmann "If you want to know what's going on in your hospital, ask housekeeping. Patients will not remember that you worked your butt off for 45 minutes to restart their heart … but they will remember that you tucked their feet in with a blanket underneath it." — Catherine Kuhlmann "You have to have a healthy department in order to continue to be healthy. And a lot of times when people think that they have problems with an individual and their agency, sometimes it's not actually a problem with the individual, it's with the agency." — Catherine Kuhlmann "We have a duty to the patient. We're not there to help the police. We're there to advocate and treat the patient." — Doug Wolfberg "EMS cannot subordinate judgement to law enforcement. If a police officer says give this guy some juice and put him to sleep, we first have to do an assessment and figure out if clinically that's the right thing." — Doug Wolfberg ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ABC 360 and XI Conference is Page Wolfberg & Wirth Advisory Group's all-day workshop for EMS leaders, chiefs, HR managers and compliance professionals. Vodcast: Lessons from the McClain case: Protecting first responders and improving EMS practices Balancing care and collaboration: Key lessons from EMS and law enforcement interactions TIMELINE 00:37 – Catherine Kuhlmann introduces herself, detailing her extensive background in EMS, law enforcement, and as a justice of the peace. Rob then highlights the key themes of Kuhlmann's keynote speech, which revolves around the importance of understanding the "why" in EMS. 02:16 – Kuhlmann discusses the importance of organizational culture in retaining quality personnel and how many individuals leave — not due to the work itself — but because of the agency's culture. Kuhlmann talks about the personal fulfillment that comes from EMS work, sharing a story about a young girl she saved who later became a doctor. 06:13 – Kuhlmann introduces the concept of "Murphy," a problematic employee in the agency, and suggests that sometimes these individuals may reflect a deeper organizational issue. 08:12 – Kuhlmann emphasizes the importance of communication, advising that EMS leaders should hold honest, one-on-one conversations with problematic staff before resorting to exit interviews. 12:04 – Kuhlmann reflects on the small gestures that have a lasting impact on patients, highlighting how seemingly minor acts of compassion can leave a lasting impression. 14:03 – Rob and Kuhlmann discuss the concept of bedside manner in EMS, stressing the importance of treating patients with dignity and respect. Kuhlmann closes with a powerful message about EMS professionals' responsibility to treat others' families with the same care and respect as they would their own. 21:06 – Rob Lawrence introduces Doug Wolfberg, who returns to discuss lessons on collaborating with law enforcement in EMS. 22:05 – Wolfberg explains the need for scenario-based training in chaotic environments to build muscle memory and advocate for patients. 23:11 – Wolfberg discusses the importance of EMS maintaining independent clinical judgment, even when law enforcement may request specific actions. 24:03 – Wolfberg stresses the need for clarity in determining whether a patient is in custody and how this affects EMS protocols. 25:06 – Wolfberg explains the importance of advocacy in EMS, particularly in law enforcement scenarios, and the significance of body camera footage for ensuring accountability. 27:13 – Wolfberg shares the potential consequences for EMS professionals who fail to act empathetically or professionally, especially when caught on body camera. 29:15 – Wolfberg speaks about the future of ABC 360, including their upcoming conferences and certifications. Previously on EMS One-Stop

NOTE: Be sure to check out the Inside EMS podcast this month where Rob Lawrence will be joining Kelly Grayson as a guest cohost for Chris Cebollero.  In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Dr. Dave Williams discusses an exciting new master's-level course designed for EMS and fire leaders, focused on advanced improvement science. Along with Mike Taigman, Dr. Williams is leading this program, which aims to equip leaders with the tools and methods necessary to achieve results-driven improvement in their EMS systems. Over the course of 12 months, attendees will work on real-world projects, gaining the skills needed to make data-driven decisions and improve patient care outcomes within their organizations. Dr. Williams also dives into the core concepts of improvement science, including understanding of variation and the importance of creating organizational systems that support sustainable improvements. He shares insights into the curriculum, the significance of benchmarking and how the course will help EMS leaders tackle systemic challenges by applying proven improvement methodologies. This conversation also touches on the future of EMS leadership and how innovation in data management, process design and leadership will shape the profession moving forward. Timeline 02:22 – Dr. Williams explains the background of the course, highlighting how it builds on improvement science to drive better results in EMS systems. He and Mike Taigman aim to teach EMS leaders to use data and evidence to improve patient care outcomes. 06:16 – Quality improvement: Dr. Williams discusses the gap in EMS leadership regarding quality improvement, emphasizing that quality needs to be integrated into the leadership team's responsibilities, not treated as a separate function. 11:01 – Why data matters: The conversation shifts to the importance of data in EMS improvement efforts. Dr. Williams highlights how collecting and analyzing data helps organizations understand system performance and drive change. 15:43 – The fleet management example: Rob shares a fleet management story where data was used to improve vehicle downtime, highlighting the real-world impact of using improvement science to solve practical challenges. 19:29 – Project-based learning in the course: Dr. Williams elaborates on the project-based nature of the course, explaining how each participant will bring a real-world project that directly impacts their organization and use improvement science to solve it. 23:09 – Practical applications: Dr. Williams talks about how the course will blend online learning with in-person workshops, providing practical tools and methods that participants can apply to their projects throughout the year. 31:08 – Course logistics: Dr. Williams discusses course deadlines and important dates, including the application deadline of April 18, 2025; and the course's first workshop in September 2025. 54:05 – ROI and the course's value: Dr. Williams emphasizes the return on investment for attending the course, explaining that solving organizational problems through improvement science will ultimately save money and improve results for EMS services. 1:00 – Final thoughts: Rob and Dr. Williams close the conversation by reiterating the uniqueness of the course and its potential to reshape EMS leadership through the application of improvement science. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Next-level improvement science: New master-level course equips EMS and fire leaders with advanced improvement science skills Course application deadline: April 18, 2025 Course start date: July 22, 2025 Workshop dates: September 2025; February 2026 Mastering data and EMS performance metrics with Mike Taigman: Exploring how data informs change, improves clinical outcomes and drives leadership decisions Improve EMS quality with a model that works: The simple yet powerful Model for Improvement holds the key to making real changes to an EMS organization

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Dan Patterson, a clinician-scientist specializing in safety in emergency care settings. Dr. Patterson's work centers around critical factors in EMS safety, such as sleep health, shift work, fatigue and their combined effects on clinician well-being. Timeline of key discussion points 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Dan Patterson Dr. Patterson's background and how his clinical experience as a paramedic informs his research on EMS safety and sleep health   04:30 – The Impact of Shift Work and Fatigue on EMS Providers Discussing the direct effects of fatigue on EMS professionals, including medical errors, cognitive performance and decision-making   10:00 – The Science of Sleep in EMS Why sleep is critical for EMS personnel and the unique challenges they face in getting adequate rest during shift work   15:00 – Development of Safety Measurement Tools Dr. Patterson explains the creation of safety tools to track fatigue, sleep health and workplace injury rates in EMS settings   20:30 – Experimental Studies and Interventions Overview of studies testing novel approaches to mitigating fatigue, including practical solutions and interventions in EMS environments   25:00 – Creating a Safety Culture in EMS The role of leadership and teamwork in reducing fatigue-related errors and fostering a culture of safety in EMS organizations   30:00 – Key Takeaways and How Agencies Can Implement Changes Final thoughts on how EMS agencies can integrate Dr. Patterson's findings and create healthier, safer work environments for their teams

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back Dr. Alex Isakov, a leading expert in infectious diseases from NETEC and Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Isakov provides valuable updates on current and emerging infectious diseases; their global impact; and the critical role EMS professionals play in identifying, isolating and protecting themselves and their patients. This discussion highlights key infectious diseases, including H5N1 (avian flu/bird flu), Mpox (previously known as monkeypox), Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever and seasonal flu, providing EMS personnel with essential knowledge and safety protocols in light of ongoing global health concerns. Throughout the episode, Dr. Isakov offers insights into the latest outbreaks, the importance of vaccinations, and strategies for responding to potential infectious disease threats. He stresses the necessity of remaining vigilant and prepared for high-consequence diseases while maintaining optimal patient care. From the evolving threat of H5N1 to the resurgence of seasonal influenza, Dr. Isakov ensures that EMS professionals are equipped with the most relevant and up-to-date information needed to protect both themselves and their communities. Summary of key infectious diseases covered by Dr. Isakov H5N1 (avian influenza/bird flu): Dr. Isakov provides an update on the H5N1 outbreak in poultry and dairy herds, stressing the importance of limiting human exposure and watching for potential mutations that could lead to human-to-human transmission. Mpox (Clade 1B): Dr. Isakov discusses the risk of Mpox, particularly Clade 1B, which remains prevalent in Central Africa but has now spread to other countries, including the United States. He highlights the importance of identifying travel history and unusual rashes, along with strict protective measures for EMS clinicians. Ebola and Marburg: These diseases continue to present a risk, with smaller outbreaks currently ongoing in Uganda (Ebola) and Tanzania (Marburg). Dr. Isakov notes the importance of being prepared to identify and isolate individuals who may have been exposed during travel to these regions. Lassa fever: Dr. Isakov points out the ongoing concern of Lassa fever in West Africa and emphasizes that EMS professionals should be on alert for symptoms in travelers who have visited affected regions. Seasonal influenza: The seasonal flu outbreak is particularly severe this year, and Dr. Isakov underscores the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations, to reduce serious illness and hospital strain. Timeline 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Dr. Alex Isakov 01:33 – Uupdate on Mpox (Clade 1B) and its global spread 05:24 – Ebola and Marburg outbreaks: ongoing concerns in Uganda and Tanzania 08:01 – Lassa Fever in West Africa and its impact on EMS professionals 13:05 – The importance of travel vaccinations for high-risk areas like malaria zones 15:13 – Mystery illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the investigation into its cause 17:01 – H5N1 and avian influenza concerns, including potential human transmission risks 22:02 – Severity of the current seasonal flu outbreak and vaccination recommendations 25:24 – EMS community's role in flu and measles vaccination advocacy 29:05 – Discussing surge conditions and excess mortality during pandemics 32:01 – Closing remarks, including updates on new NITEC EMS resources Additional infectious disease resources National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Featured Resources | NETEC Symptoms of Malaria | Malaria | CDC Lassa Fever Suspected in Death of U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa | CDC Newsroom CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update February 26, 2025 | Bird Flu | CDC Mpox | Mpox | CDC Healthcare Workers: Could it be Ebola?

Recruiting and retaining EMS professionals has been an ongoing challenge across the U.S., made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of the EMS One–Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Joe Schmider, Texas State EMS director, to discuss the $21M Texas EMS Workforce Initiative — a data-driven approach to recruiting and retaining EMS providers statewide. Schmider details how Texas identified a 40% non-utilization rate among certified EMS professionals, successfully secured state funding, and launched an innovative recruitment and retention campaign. With over 10,915 new personnel added since 2019, this program serves as a model for other states struggling with EMS workforce shortages. This episode is full of actionable insights for EMS leaders, policymakers and recruiters alike. Key quotes from Joe Schmider "We were seeing about 40% of our certified people — licensed paramedics, EMTs, advanced EMTs — were not using their skills on an ambulance." "We worked with our associations here in Texas, the Texas EMS Alliance and the Texas Ambulance Association. They went and met with some legislators, worked the room a bit, and we got $21 million of federal dollars through the state to us for 2 years to put in place a recruitment and retention program." "We pushed out 3,152 scholarships. An EMT scholarship was worth $2,000, an advanced EMT scholarship was $3,200 and a paramedic scholarship was $8,000. The money went directly to the education program, not to the student. They had 1 year to complete their training and then had to serve 96 hours a month on an ambulance — either as a paid or volunteer position — for 1 year at the EMT level and 2 years at the paramedic level." "We spent $1.5 million on an advertising campaign throughout the state of Texas. We hired a media company to develop commercials, billboards and social media campaigns. The use of social media was incredible — 50 million views over 2 years, which was an incredible number. We never expected that." "The second thing people do [when considering EMS careers] is they watch us as EMS professionals. Do I want to work with these people? Do I want to be a part of this? I once saw two EMTs standing on the back of an ambulance smoking a cigarette at an event. I went up to them and said, ‘Are you kidding? What message are we putting out when we do stuff like that?' We have to think about our image." "People leave the EMS profession for two reasons: money or the way they're treated. Depending on which survey you look at, it could be money first or treatment first, but it's always those two reasons." Episode timeline 00:08 – Rob Lawrence introduces guest Joe Schmider, Texas EMS director 00:26 – The EMS staffing crisis and how COVID-19 accelerated workforce shortages 01:36 – How Texas used data to identify a 40% EMS non-utilization rate 02:51 – How Texas EMS leaders secured $21 million in funding 04:31 – Structuring EMS scholarships and training requirements 06:41 – The success of the recruitment campaign: 3,152 scholarships awarded 08:46 – How Texas reached 50 million views in its EMS recruitment campaign 11:16 – EMS workforce retention: The challenges of pay and treatment 13:46 – Addressing rural EMS shortages and workforce gaps 16:01 – How Texas EMS associations helped advocate for change 18:21 – The future of EMS funding and advocacy efforts 21:01 – Lessons from corporate retention strategies: What EMS can learn from HEB grocery stores 24:01 – The importance of EMS provider wellness: Texas' Wellness Wednesday initiative 26:01 – Final takeaways: Lessons for other states and EMS leaders 28:01 – Closing thoughts and how to access Texas EMS resources Additional resources Connect with Joe Schmider: joseph.schmider@dshs.texas.gov/512-484-5470 Texas EMS Careers and Education

In this special episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes General Robert B. Neller, the 37th commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss leadership, decision-making, team building and the evolving challenges facing public safety professionals. General Neller shares his perspective on leading under pressure, making critical decisions, and fostering an ethical and resilient organizational culture. With decades of military leadership experience, he provides actionable insights that apply not only to the armed forces but also to EMS, law enforcement, and fire and rescue personnel. Throughout the episode, General Neller emphasizes the importance of training, adaptability and the role of leadership in guiding organizations through times of uncertainty. He highlights the significance of ethical leadership, followership and how leaders must take responsibility for failures while empowering their teams. The discussion also explores the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI and body-worn cameras on public safety, and the crucial need for ongoing training despite staffing and funding challenges. This thought-provoking conversation delivers key takeaways for current and aspiring leaders across all branches of public safety. 15 leadership quotes from General Robert B. Neller “Making decisions is part of your training — you're expected to make them, and you have to do it in critical moments.” “If I could wave a magic wand, I'd put everyone at 110% staffing so they had the time to train properly.” “The leader's job is to set the example — how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you communicate matters.” “Good leaders anticipate. They don't just react — they look ahead and keep their teams informed.” “Followership isn't blind obedience; it's about understanding the mission, contributing ideas, and executing effectively.” “Accepting responsibility is a core tenet of leadership — when things go wrong, the leader must own it.” “Change is inevitable, and good leaders learn to embrace it while preparing their people for what's ahead.” “Take care of yourself — physically, mentally and morally — because leadership starts with personal discipline.” “As a leader, you have to accept that sometimes you'll make the right call, and things still won't go your way — that's part of the job.” “You have to train and rehearse because time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.” “The worst thing you can hear as a leader is that ‘you don't care' — your people need to know that you do.” “To build culture and cohesion, you set the example — you take the physical fitness test, you wear the uniform properly, and you carry yourself the right way.” “Good leadership is not about the complete suppression of ideas — if you have time, get input, because someone might have a better idea than you.” “If you have good followers, being a leader is significantly easier — if you don't, it's a challenge every day.” “Change is inevitable — if you're not evolving, you're not making progress, and that's a problem.”

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Shana Beggan, Esq.; and Mike Pellow, Esq., defense attorneys representing one of the firefighters involved in the tragic Elijah McClain case. Beggan and Pellow discuss the complex legal and systemic issues surrounding the incident, including communication breakdowns, inadequate training, and the challenges faced by EMS and fire personnel when operating in chaotic environments. They also address the broader implications for EMS professionals, highlighting the importance of proper documentation, the use of body-worn cameras, and the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration between police and EMS teams. This interview provides invaluable insights into the case and the steps necessary to improve EMS practices moving forward. Beggan and Pellow share their experiences navigating the criminal and civil aspects of the case, emphasizing the importance of understanding the limitations and constraints that EMS providers face in high-pressure situations. They also advocate policy changes, such as enhanced training, better resource allocation and the introduction of body-worn cameras to protect both first responders and the patients they serve. Their passionate discussion sheds light on the need for reform within EMS, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can contribute to a safer and more effective emergency response system. Key quotes "First responders are people who run towards difficulties and trauma when many run away, and to see somebody be charged in this situation and the fallout from it ... has become a very strong passion for myself and for Mike." — Shana Beggan "You take somebody – basically the bottom of an entire healthcare system – and say, let's blame this person, let's criminalize this. That is the wrong thing to do." — Mike Pellow "I think that we need to allow for honest conversations in a safe way, not a blame-the-finger approach." — Shana Beggan "We need to be better at helping first responders, not making them look over their shoulders and thinking, ‘Where am I going to get whacked in the back of the head if something goes wrong?'" — Mike Pellow "We perform the way we train, and here the training was poor. We condone or even promote what we fail to address." — Shana Beggan Takeaways and actionable items Improve documentation practices. Ensure that EMS providers document not only their actions, but also their thought processes. This can help prevent misinterpretation of their actions in high-stress situations and provide valuable context in legal proceedings. Advocate for body-worn cameras. Implement body-worn cameras for EMS teams to improve transparency, protect first responders, and provide better evidence for both patient care and legal purposes. However, ensure that funding for such programs comes from appropriate sources, rather than placing additional strain on already underfunded EMS budgets. Enhance training and protocols. EMS and police departments should collaborate on joint training sessions, focusing on clear communication, proper patient handoffs, and how to handle complex situations, like excited delirium. Ensure that protocols are updated regularly and that training is implemented in real-world scenarios. Timeline 01:48 – Introduction: Rob Lawrence introduces the episode and guests Shana Beggan, Esq.; and Mike Pellow, Esq. 04:21 – Case background: Pellow provides a brief overview of the Elijah McClain case, the charges against the paramedics, and the current status of the case. 07:10 – Communication breakdowns: Beggan discusses the major issues surrounding communication between police and EMS, particularly the lack of information shared between the different teams at the scene. 10:35 – Documentation and reporting: Beggan and Pellow emphasize the importance of documentation in EMS, especially in legal situations, and discuss how inadequate reporting and the failure to document actions and decisions contributed to the case. 12:01 – Body-worn cameras: Pellow advocates for the use of body-worn cameras in EMS to provide better documentation and protect both patients and responders. 19:25 – Police and EMS collaboration: Beggan and Pellow discuss the importance of training police and EMS teams together to improve coordination and response. 28:00 – Legal implications and criminalization of EMS: Beggan and Pellow discuss the growing trend of criminalizing medical practice in EMS and the need to protect providers from unjust legal consequences. 46:11 – Support from fire leadership: Beggan shares the support from the Aurora fire chief, who highlighted systemic failures and underscored the importance of better training and protocols. 50:57 – Closing remarks: Rob thanks Beggan and Pellow for sharing their insights and the discussion closes with a focus on the need for systemic change within EMS and emergency response. 

In this sobering episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Chief Bill Salmeron of New Orleans EMS to discuss the tragic events that unfolded on New Year's Day 2025, when a vehicle plowed through crowds in the French Quarter, resulting in 15 fatalities and 57 injuries, including two police officers. Chief Salmeron provides a detailed account of the incident, the immediate EMS response, and the coordinated efforts with law enforcement and hospitals to manage the mass casualty incident. The conversation also delves into the psychological impact on EMS personnel, the value of training and preparedness, and lessons learned from handling such a large-scale event. Chief Salmeron emphasizes the importance of communication, mutual aid and the mental wellbeing of first responders, offering insights into how New Orleans EMS plans to support its teams in the long recovery process ahead. Key quotes from the episode “You don't teach that level of decision-making in EMT class. Telling a family member or police officer that you can't help their loved one is one of the hardest things you'll ever do.” — Chief Bill Salmeron “The recovery from an incident like this doesn't take days or weeks – it takes years.” —Rob Lawrence “I told my team to go back to headquarters. I needed to put eyes on every single one of them and make sure they were OK.” — Chief Bill Salmeron “Situational awareness and incident command are critical. It's about restoring order from chaos.” —Rob Lawrence “What we do is a unique calling. It's critical to appreciate and take care of each other and ourselves.” — Chief Bill Salmeron “This episode is a masterclass for anyone planning for mass casualty incidents. Listen, learn and prepare.” —Rob Lawrence Timeline 00:21 – Introduction to the episode and overview of 2025's challenging start, including the New Year's Day tragedy in New Orleans 01:22 – Chief Salmeron describes the initial setup and EMS operations in the French Quarter 03:26 – Incident details: the truck's path, immediate EMS response, and the scale of injuries 06:01 – Incident command and mutual aid coordination, including the deployment of 13 ambulances 09:43 – Managing hospital capacities and patient transport logistics during the MCI 15:11 – The discovery of explosive devices and the role of EMS in securing and retreating from the scene 23:01 – Post-incident response: staff debriefings, mental health support and lessons learned 33:31 – Preparing for future events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras under heightened security 41:06 – Five key takeaways for leading and managing mass casualty incidents 50:28 – Closing thoughts and appreciation for first responders' dedication and resilience Additional resources New Orleans EMS

Join Rob Lawrence on EMS One-Stop as he welcomes Sunny Wescott, chief meteorologist at the Department of Homeland Security, for an eye-opening discussion about the impact of extreme weather on emergency services and critical infrastructure. Sunny shares her expertise on meteorological trends, the challenges of preparing for severe weather events, and the evolving role of EMS in managing climate-induced emergencies. From hurricanes and polar vortices, to the implications of electric vehicle adoption during extreme weather, this episode is packed with actionable insights for public safety leaders and EMS professionals. Rob and Sunny explore the complex interplay between extreme weather and emergency response, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and reliable information sources. Sunny delves into the science behind weather phenomena like atmospheric rivers, Rex blocks and heatwaves, connecting them to real-world challenges faced by first responders. During this edition of EMS One-Stop discover the tools, resources and strategies Sunny recommends for staying ahead of severe weather impacts on both infrastructure and personnel, and gain practical advice for improving communication with the public during weather crises, ensuring safety and minimizing risk. Key quotes from this episode “The uneven heating of our planet is amplifying weather events, making them stronger and more unpredictable.” — Sunny Wescott “The weather affects everything – and for EMS leaders, preparation isn't optional, it's essential.” — Rob Lawrence “We're seeing infrastructure pushed to its breaking point by weather extremes – things we couldn't anticipate when they were built.” — Sunny Wescott “Sometimes, the hardest command decision is telling your crews, ‘We're hunkering down now.' It's the right call, but it's never an easy one.” — Rob Lawrence “Your life means so much more than the possessions inside your home. Evacuate early – it's always the safest choice.” — Sunny Wescott “Let's face it: weather is as much a part of public safety planning as personnel and resources.” — Rob Lawrence “Weather preparedness isn't just about forecasts; it's about collaboration, data sharing and breaking down silos across sectors.” — Sunny Wescott Timeline 00:24 – Rob's introduction and reflections on weather in the UK and US 01:22 – Sunny explains global weather patterns and their cascading impacts 03:32 – Sunny describes her role at DHS and how critical infrastructure is assessed against weather risks 11:13 – Hurricane trends, preparedness and landfall impacts for 2025 20:00 – EMS-specific challenges during extreme heat and cold, including effects on equipment and personnel 24:04 – How to interpret long-term weather forecasts and model reliability 30:06 – Operational decisions during extreme weather events, like grounding helicopters and using resources wisely 36:06 – Final thoughts on misinformation, insurance concerns, and public safety resilience Additional resources EMS in a changing climate: Understanding the impact of extreme weather Snowfall Reports from past events Annual Lightning Report 2024 – Xweather NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal National Fire News | National Interagency Fire Center AirNow Fire and Smoke Map Incidents | CAL FIRE Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI): NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory Zoom Earth | Live Weather Map & Hurricane Tracker Nullschool Earth :: a global map of wind, weather, and ocean conditions National Weather Service  

In this insightful episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence revisits New Orleans EMS to explore their pioneering use of body-worn cameras, joined by Chris Keller, chief of operations at New Orleans EMS. The discussion dives into the motivations, challenges and successes of implementing this technology. From its initial deployment on tactical medic teams in 2018, to its current broader rollout, Chris shares the journey of navigating legal frameworks, staff buy-in and operational logistics. The conversation also highlights how body-worn cameras enhance patient care documentation, bolster staff safety and provide an unbiased account of events, positioning them as an emerging industry standard. This episode offers practical advice on policy development, procurement processes and operational use cases, including their application during Mardi Gras and high-acuity events. With the aim to demystify the implementation process, Chris emphasizes the importance of collaboration, adaptability and using technology to improve EMS practices. Rob and Chris also discuss future goals for the program, funding challenges, and the potential for body-worn cameras to become a cornerstone of EMS operations nationwide.

Dr Jeff Jarvis joins Rob Lawrence to discuss the recently released National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA) Measures Report – “Enhancing airway management one measure at a time.” The report begins with the following robust Foreword: “NEMSQA is not satisfied with the state of airway management safety in EMS. As you will see, the data clearly shows that we can do much better across our industry! Partnering with experts and EMS agencies around the country, NEMSQA is leading the second national EMS Quality Improvement Partnership (EQuIP), the Airway Management Collaborative to put the new NEMSQA airway measures to work.” “Enhancing airway management one measure at a time” is the sequel to the Lights and Siren Collaborative and will utilize the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Breakthrough Series collaborative model. The goal of the project is to support national improvement in the safety and effectiveness of invasive airway management by focusing on two goals: Reducing the adverse events, such as peri-intubation hypoxia and hypotension Improving the use of waveform capnography to confirm and monitor all invasive airways Rob and Dr. Jarvis discuss the report and actions individuals and their agencies should take to improve their personal and organizational airway management and patient outcome results. Find more EMS One-Stop episodes here!

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence dives into the trending topic of pre-hospital blood administration with guests from New Orleans EMS: Tom Dransfield, the quality assurance and safety officer, and Dr. David Rayburn, deputy medical director. This in-depth discussion explores the development and execution of the New Orleans EMS blood program, focusing on packed red blood cells (PRBC) and the challenges, successes and ongoing research surrounding cold blood administration in trauma and medical emergencies. New Orleans EMS is leading the charge in pushing the boundaries of pre-hospital blood, providing innovative solutions for penetrating trauma, GI bleeds and other critical cases. Dransfield and Dr. Rayburn share the journey of New Orleans EMS in implementing the program, including their logistics, lessons learned and the vital impact of their interventions on patient outcomes. The episode emphasizes the collaboration between EMS and trauma centers as well as blood suppliers to reduce mortality rates, while also tackling key questions, such as the supply chain, funding and future research. Memorable quotes "For every minute we delay blood administration, there's an 11% increase in mortality – this isn't just a theory; it's life and death." — Dr. David Rayburn "We were topping the charts in the wrong categories – violence and stuff like that. So, our medics were frustrated with the old scoop and run. We're not just scooping and running anymore. We're providing definitive care." — Tom Dransfield "We're seeing no change in temperature for patients receiving two units of cold PRBCs in the pre-hospital environment, and that's groundbreaking." — Dr. David Rayburn "If we're doing blood, we're literally saving lives. But without reimbursement, it's an uphill battle." — Rob Lawrence "Our paramedics are pushing the envelope – it's no longer just about trauma; we're now treating GI bleeds, OB cases and renal patients with blood administration." — Dr. David Rayburn Find more episodes: https://www.ems1.com/ems-one-stop

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by quality improvement expert, Dr. Dave Williams, recent co-author of the book, “Quality as an Organizational Strategy,” and Dr. Jonathan Studnek, executive director of Wake County EMS. Together they discuss the five activities for organization's leaders to provide the structure to begin working on making quality their strategy. These activities are centered on: Purpose Viewing the organization as a system Obtaining information Planning to improve Managing improvement efforts These five activities form a system for the leaders of an organization to focus their learning, planning and actions. Memorable quotes "Leadership's job is to build systems where staff can be rock stars and bring their best selves every day." — Dr. Dave Williams "Understanding your purpose as an EMS agency, like being responsible for cardiac arrest survival, is essential in improving performance." — Dr. Jon Studnek "Our secret weapon in improvement is the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, where we learn fast by making low-risk, small-scale changes." — Dr. Dave Williams "These five activities are the key elements that leaders should be engaging with to drive their organizations forward." — Dr. Jon Studnek Highlights 01:14 – Dr. Dave Williams shares his background in quality improvement and EMS 02:12 – Dr. Jon Studnek introduces himself and talks about his journey in EMS leadership 03:56 – Dr. Williams discusses his book, “Quality as an Organizational Strategy” and its origins, and outlines the five core activities of quality as an organizational strategy 15:02 – Dr. Studnek describes implementing the quality framework in EMS, using cardiac arrest survival as a real-world example 23:36 – Rob and Dr. Studnek discuss interconnectedness in EMS systems and fleet maintenance 30:00 – Dr. Williams explains how small-scale changes using the PDSA cycle help improve EMS operations 35:00 – Final thoughts from Dr. Studnek on leadership and quality as a guide for day-to-day work

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back data and EMS expert Mike Taigman for a deep dive into the evolving role of performance metrics in EMS systems. Together, they discuss two key publications – “Joint Position Statement on EMS Performance Measures Beyond Response Times” by Kupas and Zavadsky, et al., and the White Paper from the National EMS Quality Alliance in Collaboration with FirstWatch, titled, “Taking the Pulse of your System – Performance Measurement for Improvement.” Lawrence and Taigman explore how data informs change, improves clinical outcomes and drives leadership decisions. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the field, this conversation provides essential insights into how EMS organizations can better utilize data to elevate their services.

In this special edition of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence discusses the Joint Position Statement on EMS Performance Measures – Beyond Response Times published yesterday by the leading EMS and public policy associations with Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, EMT, vice president of PWW|AG, and one of the primary authors of the position statement. Rob and Matt discuss the statement in detail, examining all of the recommended metrics, the reasons for placing them in the paper and why response times are not recommended as a primary measure of system performance. Rob and Matt begin by discussing the signatories of the statement – in particular, the sign off from the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) and the pivotal role they play in ensuring EMS delivery in their communities. The many associations that joined the statement recommend that communities and governments modernize EMS performance assessments by evaluating various domains with key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs should be measured, tracked over time, benchmarked against similar EMS systems or national data and regularly published for local community stakeholders.

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back infectious disease expert Dr. Alexander P. Isakov, MD, MPH, founding executive director of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR), and professor of emergency medicine at Emory University. Rob begins by discussing his real-life experience with an H5N1 outbreak in the UK as an ambulance service leader, and Dr. Isakov discusses the current H5N1 emergence in the U.S. The discussion covers the current U.S. H5N1 outbreak, bird and swine flus, and the spillover from bird to mammal populations. They also address three recent U.S. cases of H5N1 among agricultural workers. They go on to discuss signs and symptoms of H5N1, index of suspicion, the Hierarchy of Controls in infectious diseases, universal and standard precautions, and fit testing respirators. They also cover resources available at NETEC. Dr. Isakov concludes with a roundup of other global issues, including viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), Ebola, Marburg and smallpox.

In this edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob lawrence welcomes Todd Stout and Mike Taigman of FirstWatch as they introduce the 2024 Jack Stout Fellow, Mary Meeks, district chief of night shift at Chatham Emergency Services. The Jack Stout EMS Fellowship, endowed by FirstWatch, aims to empower emerging EMS leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide EMS systems effectively in the future. Developed by FirstWatch in cooperation with the Fitch EMS Foundation, the Fellowship underscores the commitment to leadership development and community service. Named in honor of Jack Stout, a pioneer in high-performance EMS systems, the Fellowship teaches principles such as people-centered leadership, data-driven decision-making, improvement science and systems thinking. As the chosen Fellow, Meeks will attend the 2024 Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum, participate in either the Fitch Ambulance Service Manager or Communication Center Manager program, and benefit from a customized mentorship led by Mike Taigman, renowned for his contributions to EMS quality improvement. This comprehensive program not only honors Jack Stout's legacy but also ensures that his visionary principles continue to shape the future of EMS. Additional resources IHI Framework for Improving Joy in Work | Institute for Healthcare Improvement The Jack Stout EMS Fellowship, endowed by FirstWatch Pinnacle EMS leadership conference

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Fayetteville, North Carolina's Cumberland County EMS Chief David Grovdahl and Behavioral Health Community Paramedic Tara Tucker to discuss the Cape Fear Valley Mobile Integrated Health Behavioral Health Community Paramedicine programs. The Cape Fear MIH Team is composed of four community paramedics, one social worker and a peer support specialist. The team focusses in particular on overdoses/request for substance use treatment, suicide related calls – ideation/attempts as well as youth calls related to mental health and substance use, and also EMS referrals and associated case management. Fayetteville is home to Fort Liberty and Pope Army Air Base, and is the sixth most populous city in North Carolina with a high number of uninsured and underinsured patients. Fifteen percent of Cumberland County's population is military-affiliated and it is the third busiest EMS system in North Carolina. Cumberland's affiliated ED, CFVMC Emergency Department, had 90,595 visits in 2021 for adults, and 30% of those (27,300) were for behavioral-health related issues, creating the need for a Behavioral Health service line employing community paramedics. In addition to discussing their mobile integrated healthcare system, Grovdahl also shares about the North Carlina whole blood programs and their progress.

In this special, on-site episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence takes us to the 2024 North Carolina EMS Expo in Greensboro, North Carolina, a well-attended conference with over 1,200 attendees. Rob spent time with several conference faculty. EMS lawyer Matt Streger joins Rob to discuss just culture, HR issue spotting, leadership communication and employee engagement. Kevin Collopy joins Rob to discuss the outstanding prehospital training being delivered to medics in Ukraine and also discusses this years “Stand and Deliver” new speaker event (a now annual event held as EMS World Expo). Rob discusses whole blood and its national rollout with Dr. Randall Schaeffer and David Grovdahl. To close, Peter Dworsky of the National EMS Safety Conference provides an overview of the current top EMS industry safety themes. Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to send in guest suggestions, episode feedback or questions for our host. 

Editor's note: This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back Matt Zavadsky to discuss the latest development in the move to fund treatment in place and the recent disclosure from CMS about the potential savings to Medicare identified in the analysis of the limited ET3 program. Matt discusses the potential legislative moves regarding EMS funding, highlighting bipartisan support and urging listeners to engage with elected officials to support bills benefiting EMS. The conversation underscores the need for sustained advocacy efforts and highlights the level of interest shown by key policymakers. Rob and Matt also discuss the recent developments in the City of Fort Worth and the decision to absorb MedStar into the Fort Worth Fire Department, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable treatment for EMS personnel transitioning to new roles. Top quotes from this episode “We can officially say that the net savings to Medicare after they pay EMS and after they pay the tertiary provider telemedicine, whatever it is, is still $550 to $570 per enrolled ET3 participant. And when you do the math, that's a billion dollars or more of savings to the Medicare program, which now CBO can use to evaluate the benefit, economically of doing a treat, no transport, treatment-in-place model. So it's big news.” — Matt Zavadsky “Nobody benefits from a knock-down, drag-out fight. But as you indicated, there are now people in the community and people across the country that are saying why and what does this mean? We don't have all those answers, but again, it's the decision from the folks who are elected to represent the community and if that's what they want to do, that's great. Our role is to try and do as much as we can to maintain a transition into a new provider system that keeps those core tenants – the high performance, high value mobile, integrated healthcare, flexible deployment. All those things that have really made the system a world class EMS system, even though it might say something different on the side of the ambulance and the employees might be wearing a different uniform.” — Matt Zavadsky “It's going to be a long transition – 12 to 18 months, and it's not just branding and rebranding, it's really infusing the culture of a group of people who are used to doing 7-10 calls in 12 hours and used to having things operate with a certain cadence that's going to be totally different when they start a different type of organization.” — Matt Zavadsky Episode contents 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – ET3/TIP: Challenging CMS outcome data 03:15 – Cost savings per intervention 04:00 – CMS data showing net savings to Medicare 04:30 – Congressional Budget Office score based on savings 06:00 – Net savings of a billion dollars or more 07:00 – Applying this new information for the good and benefit of the industry 09:00 – Congress is, is what Congress does 10:40 – Meeting with Congress to push TIP 14:30 – Fort Worth and the PWW Advisory Group 14:50 – Fort Worth economies and level of service 17:30 – Matt Zavadsky to join the PWW Advisory Group 19:15 – The staffing issues as Med star staff transit to the FD fire department 21:00 – Ensuring the staff is protected 25:00 – Call to action-how we communicate all value to elected officials 26:00 – Final Thoughts About our guest Matt Zavadsky is the former chief transformation Officer at MedStar Mobile Healthcare, formerly the exclusive emergency and non-emergency public utility model EMS system for Fort Worth and 14 other cities in North Texas. Coming to MedStar in 2008 as the operations director, Matt made significant changes to the EMS delivery model, and in 2010, successfully eliminated the need for the tax subsidy that MedStar had been operating on since its inception in 1986. He has helped guide the development and implementation of numerous innovative programs with healthcare partners that have transformed MedStar fully as a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) provider, including high utilizer, CHF readmission reduction, observational admission reduction, hospice revocation avoidance, 911 nurse triage programs and partnerships with home health agencies. He is also the co-author of the book “Mobile Integrated Healthcare – Approach to Implementation,” published by Jones and Bartlett Publishing. He has 42 years' experience in EMS and holds a master's degree in Health Service Administration with a graduate certificate in Healthcare Data Management. Matt is a frequent speaker at national conferences and has consulted on numerous EMS issues, specializing in high-performance EMS operations, finance, mobile integrated healthcare, public/media relations, public policy, transformative economic strategies and EMS research.

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Dr. Edward Racht and Matt Zavadsky join Rob Lawrence to discuss their recent attendance at the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means hearing on “Access to Health Care in America: Ensuring Resilient Emergency Medical Care,” which took place in an off-site hearing in Denton, Texas, on March 18, 2024. Dr. Racht, chief medical officer of Global Medical Response; and Zavadsky, chief transformation officer for the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority (MedStar Mobile Healthcare) discuss the evidence and the key issues they conveyed to the committee. Dr. Racht's testimony included: The significant advancements made in emergency medicine over the past decades, leading to reduced mortality and disability rates for patients. The importance of updating Medicare reimbursement rates for ambulance services, which have not been revised for over 20 years. Advocating for wholesale reform of Medicare's coverage of emergency medical services to align with contemporary practices, such as covering treatment in place and transportation to alternative healthcare sites. Matt Zavadsky's testimony included: The impact of CMS payment policies on EMS, which incentivize unnecessary transportation of patients to the emergency room. Innovative programs initiated by EMS agencies to prevent unnecessary 911 calls and navigate patients to appropriate care settings. Legislative changes required to provide EMS with flexibility in patient navigation, including treatment in place and transport to alternate destinations. The challenges faced by ambulance services nationwide, especially in rural areas, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Top quotes from this episode “We are the front of the frontline in medicine.” — Dr. Ed Racht "Our coordinated and integrated EMS and healthcare system now gives gravely injured patients ... the opportunity for rapid surgical intervention and a chance at full recovery." — Dr. Ed Racht "Emergency healthcare professionals pride ourselves on our ability to dramatically decrease morbidity and mortality from unexpected and sudden illness and injury." — Dr. Ed Racht "CMS payment policy is such that we are incentivized to transport every 911 patient to the ER because that is the only time we get paid." — Matt Zavadsky "Ambulance services are a vital component of our local and national healthcare and emergency response systems." — Matt Zavadsky "Innovative EMS agencies ... have initiated patient-centric programs designed to prevent 911 calls and navigate patients to the most appropriate care setting." — Matt Zavadsky "Ambulance services across the nation, especially in rural areas, are facing unprecedented challenges." — Matt Zavadsky Episode contents 0:05 – Introduction 0:55 – Guest introduction 1:40 – Explaining the Ways and Means Committee 2:30 – We are being noticed! 3:40 – Preparing for a congressional hearing 5:40 – The impact of having a congressional hearing in an EMS location 5:58 – The genuine interest of the committee members 9:00 – Dr. Ed Racht testimony to the Congressional Ways and Means Committee 14:24 – Matt Zavadsky testimony to the Congressional Ways and Means Committee 20:52 – Dr. Racht and Zavadsky's reactions to the evidence they gave and the feedback 29:00 – Zavadsky's key points he wished to reinforce during his evidence session 31:45 – Balanced billing, patient protections and removing the patient from the middle of the process 32:50 – Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) and its challenges. 38:29 – Questions for Secretary Becerra on Capitol Hill 44:00 – Final thoughts 45:00 – A call to action to become one and present a united front “When we unify, we are unstoppable.” 48:00 – You the listener are the great politician

Editor's note: This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis” is a documentary film exploring the world of EMTs and paramedics, the collapse of the EMS system, and what needs to be done to save it. Narrated by six-time Golden Globe and two-time Primetime Emmy award winning actress, Sarah Jessica Parker, “Honorable but Broken” raises awareness of the systemic collapse of EMS and advocates for change. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence chats with producer Bryony Gilbey about the documentary that is now completed and available for streaming. Gilbey hopes the impactful, hard-hitting documentary will serve as a briefing and education tool for our elected officials and members of the general public. As Gilbey notes, “It's no good any longer just throwing up your hands and saying that's just the way EMS is; it's no good saying it's someone else's problem; it's something we all need to work on, as a civilized society we need to address this issue and we need to do it quickly.” The 60-minute documentary is now available on demand, streamed by Prodigy EMS and it is hoped that it will be used at local, state and national levels to bring attention to the issues we are facing. Top quotes from this episode “I expected to tell a story; I did not think that it would have quite this reaction” — Bryony Gilbey “We now all have not many degrees of separation to somebody who has had some sort of PTSD, who has had to leave the job because of the pressures of work and dare I say ultimately taken their lives and that is incredibly sad.” — Rob Lawrence “It all comes down to three words – all in favor – if we don't get the vote, we don't get the money, we don't get the change.” — Rob Lawrence Episode contents 00:48 – Documentary teaser 01:18 – Introduction/Bryony Gilbey 02:16 – The “Honorable but Broken” back story 05:46 – How did Gilbey view EMS and its issues 08:15 – The finished product and how can we view it 10:24 – A federal screening on Capitol Hill 11:30 – Reaction from elected officials 13:16 – John Mondello/emotional trauma 14:00 – Eileen Mondello – John's mother 15:25 – Reaction to Eileen Mondello – “It never gets easier' 17:00 – He wasn't the first, he isn't the only and sadly he won't be the last 22:00 – Other featured speakers in the documentary and their powerful messages 22:30 – Recruitment, retention and retirement 24:35 – What is the cost of a human life to a politician? 26:25 – Educating the legislators and the public 28:00 – The cost of readiness 29:05 – Reimbursement doesn't add up 31:00 – The hospital side of things – Beckers Review on Hospital closures and adding to ambulance and hospital deserts 31:30 – Call to action and the legislative agenda 35:30 – Sarah Jessica Parker 39:00 – How and where to view via Prodigy EMS 39:50 – Final thoughts About our guest With a prolific career spanning several decades, Bryony Gilbey is a seasoned director, producer and freelance writer/editor, distinguished for crafting compelling narratives across various media platforms. As the director/producer for the impactful EMS documentary, “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis,” Gilbey has showcased an unparalleled ability to guide projects from inception to completion. Gilbey previously worked with the Nexstar Media Group, Inc. as a freelance writer/editor. Here, she demonstrated versatility by producing feature pieces on health and lifestyle topics for Tribune Publishing and contributing to BestReviews.com. Gilbey also served as an associate producer at Mary Murphy & Co. from 2005 to 2012. During this period, she played a pivotal role in the production of the PBS American Masters documentary "Hey Boo," centered around Harper Lee. In the early 2000s, Bryony worked as a Producer/AP at ABC News Productions, where she produced documentaries on medical breakthroughs in neonatal care for Discovery Health. The foundation of Bryony's career was laid during her time as an associate producer at “60 Minutes,” CBS News, from 1995 to 2000. Working closely with producers and correspondents, she contributed to the creation of original news stories. Throughout her extensive and diverse career, Bryony Gilbey has consistently demonstrated a passion for storytelling, a keen journalistic instinct, and an unwavering commitment to delivering content that informs and resonates with audiences worldwide. Resources “Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis” NAEMT's Advocacy program AAA's Advocacy program RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONE-STOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

Collecting and communicating the big EMS news of 2023 The American Ambulance Association and the Academy of Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI) collect, collate, categorize and share weekly EMS-based news stories widely with many national organizations and associations, including NHTSA, USFA and NAEMT. The information contained in the news tracker allows officials and EMS leaders to brief and educate journalists and elected officials, as well as the public as to the current plight of EMS. EMS is delivered on a local level and those experiencing issues with their service can believe it is just them suffering funding shortages, staffing challenges, hospital delays or general poor performance. The tracker can be used to demonstrate that the issues are occurring on a wider regional, state, national and, in some cases, international level. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence, who also heads up the AAA-AIMHI news collation effort, welcomes fellow news collator, Rodney Dyche of Patient Care EMS; and AIMHI Education Committee Chair, Matt Zavadsky, chief transformation officer at MedStar Mobile Healthcare. Rob, Rodney and Matt examine EMS news and current trends, and discuss how these themes can be used to inform, influence and educate. Top quotes from this episode “There's a perverse ‘incentive' about response time … if you have the target of 8:59, you arrive on time and the patient dies; that's a success. If you arrive in 9:01 and the patient lives; that's a failure. That's absolute garbage” — Rob Lawrence “There was a quote from Dr. Clawson in a news story that was done in Minneapolis, and I love his quote. He says, ‘there is no evidence that using red lights and sirens have saved more lives than they've taken.'” — Matt Zavadsky “Every week in this great country, an ambulance is stolen either from hospital or from scene – that's avoidable.” — Rob Lawrence “Stop being timid. Stop licking your wounds. Get out in your community, talk to your elected officials. Talk to your city managers or county administrators – very factually, not emotionally. There will be time for emotions, but give them the facts and let them know what it's gonna take to resuscitate their EMS delivery system.” — Matt Zavadsky Episode contents 00:23 – Guest introduction 02:06 – AAA/AIMHI News Tracker and story categories 04:22 – A resource to brief the press and elected officials 04:30 – Operational challenges across many states 05:50 – Massive sign-on bonuses – robbing Peter to pay Paul 06:30 – Staffing and funding issues 08:40 – Communities/local governing bodies facing the fact that they are running out of money, and their EMS isn't free 09:40 – Transitioning from a volunteer to a paid system 11:00 – Explaining EMS economics to your elected officials 11:50 – Has anyone died? Bring data 13:30 – EMS systems closing 15:30 – “Elected officials get nervous deciding to allocate funding to a service that they haven't had to fund or haven't, haven't had to fund to this certain level in the past.” 18:40 – Response time 19:25 – Increase in low acuity calls 20:30 – Service design 22:50 – Single- versus double-paramedic crewed trucks 25:04 – MEDIC Charlotte – Taking bold steps within categories of response 27:00 – The rate of ambulance crashes across the county at intersections 27:47 – If you are not the ambulance driver … who is? 29:49 – There is no evidence that using red lights and siren have saved more lives than they've taken! 30:30 – Stolen ambulances 32:59 – Supply chain and vehicle availability 34:00 – Rurality and ambulance deserts 35:00 – Violence against providers 37:00 – Responding to patients in crisis/agitated patients 38:00 – How to use the media log in your locality to good effect 40:00 – Final thoughts About our guests Matt Zavadsky is the chief transformation officer at MedStar Mobile Healthcare, the exclusive emergency and non-emergency public utility model EMS system for Fort Worth and 14 other cities in North Texas that provides service to 436 square miles and more than 1 million residents and responds to over 170,000 calls a year with a fleet of 65 ambulances. MedStar is a high performance, high value EMS system, providing advanced clinical care with high economic efficiency. Zavadsky is also immediate past president of the National Association of EMTs, and chairs their EMS Economics Committee. He is an appointed committee member to the Joint Commission's Home Care Professional and Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), and the Lewin Group's Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (HOQR) Program Stroke and AMI Expert Work Group developing metrics for use in value-based purchasing measures for emergency departments. He is also the co-author of the book “Mobile Integrated Healthcare – Approach to Implementation.” Rodney Dyche is director of compliance and responsible for risk management with PatentCare EMS Solutions. PatientCare EMS Solutions is a multistate EMS solution, and additionally provides a hybrid online training program and owns a remount facility. As a teenager, Dyche began his EMS career in rural Missouri. He has had multiple system experiences in addition to rural EMS, including MAST (Kansas City, Missouri), REMSA (Reno, Nevada) and Mercy (Las Vegas). In 2010, he became an internal consultant to Paramedics Plus until its sale in 2018. During that time, he led several high-level projects, to include the timely transition of the purchase of Paramedics Plus. Rodney resides in East Texas and in his spare time is a licensed HAM radio operator, and enjoys fishing, off-roading and reading. Resources AAA-AIMHI news collation tracker Analysis of Ground Ambulance Crash Data from 2012 to 2018

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. The American Ambulance Association recently held its annual AAA Stars of Life event in Washington, D.C. The American Ambulance Association's Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. While in Washington, EMS One-Stop Host Rob Lawrence interviewed AAA President Randy Strozyk, on the aims and objectives of the stars program and the 2023 Legislator of the Year. Rob also spoke with AAA Medical Director Dr. Gerad Troutman, who is AAA's first medical director. Finally, Rob chats with AAA Immediate Past President, Shawn Baird, on the Federal Balanced Billing legislation and the role that AAA and others are playing in protecting both the patient and EMS agencies. Top quotes from this episode “Every provider is out to make a difference, but to actually be recognized for it, which you don't often get the opportunity to have, makes it that much more of an honor to be selected for something like this” — Paramedic Erica Brockman “AAA stars and hundreds of thousands of people like you are the beginning of the healing process. When somebody is hurt, somebody is wounded, somebody is scared, it is the EMT that first touches that patient and then begins to transport into the healthcare system when the rest of the healthcare system can then kick in to what it does, but it would not start unless it begins with you.” — Senator Bill Cassidy “Think about when Covid hit, at 0200 in the morning, we were the ones that came, we were the ones that had to deal with a whole new level of challenges, not only Covid, but we had to deal with the fact that people didn't want to go to the hospital, so we were providing levels of care, interfacing, making sure that people had connections. I see that as a bright future to how EMS will progress in the next decade” — AAA President Rany Strozyk “I'm really passionate about patients called 911 looking for solutions to a problem and that solution is not always an ambulance to take them to an emergency department, so we try to impact their care differently, especially lower acuity patients, because we now have all the technology and tools to treat them in place with our paramedics or EMTs on site of even treating them utilizing a navigation program from the 911 system, the PSAP and maybe get them to an urgent care or virtual care doctor, where they can be cared for right in their home. Patients love it and the best thing is it really puts the ‘E' back in EMS and allows us to save those emergent resources that need those most.” — Dr. Gerad Troutman, AAA medical director “We will be coming back to Congress with a recommendation that ground ambulance not be rolled into the No Surprises Act. That (if we were included) would be devastating to access for care.” — Shawn Baird, immediate past president, AAA Episode contents 00:21 – Opening: Erica Brockman 01:02 – Introduction: Rob Lawrence 01:36 – Randy Strozyk, president, American Ambulance Association 05:12 – Key areas of legislation for 2023/24 08:07 – Presentation of Legislator of the Year: Senator Bill Cassidy 11:00 – Dr. Gerad Troutman, AAA medical director 17:00 – Federal Balanced Billing Committee: Shawn Baird 18:35 – Summary and close Additional resources  The full bios for all of the AAA Class of 2023 Stars of Life can be found here. Listen to next: Alexia Jobson, Dr. Peter Antevy, Brian Maloney, Doug Wolfberg and more join the EMS One-Stop podcast to discuss takeaways from the show About our guests Randy Strozyk brings to his leadership of the American Ambulance Association more than 34 years of experience in EMS operations and management. He has been part of the American Medical Response leadership team for 16 years, and currently serves as the company's executive vice president of operations. Strozyk earned his EMT/paramedic certification and worked on an ambulance while studying microbiology at Washington State University. He later earned an MBA from California State University. He has been heavily involved in the American Ambulance Association for nearly two decades and is the current president of the organization. Gerad Troutman, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS, is the national medical director for innovative practices at Global Medical Response. He is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas, and serves as a mentor to the Texas Tech Innovations Hub. He is a past president of the Texas College of Emergency Physicians and currently serves on the Governor's EMS & Trauma Advisory Council of Texas. Rate and review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel at dawn during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah – with armed assailants breaching security barriers and a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. The attack came 50 years and a day after Egyptian and Syrian forces launched an assault during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur in an effort to retrieve territory Israel had taken during a brief conflict in 1967. As the world has seen, terrorists entered Israel. Militants burst into houses, shooting residents begging for their lives and taking others – including women, children and the elderly – hostage, driving the terrified captives back into Gaza. Operating as part of the initial and ongoing response to the events unfolding in Israel is United Hatzalah, a network of more than 6,500 EMS volunteers, with a fleet of emergency medical vehicles, who in peacetime, are able to respond to more than 2,000 medical emergencies per day in an average response time of less than 3 minutes (and in major cities, often less than 90 seconds). Since October 7, United Hatzalah has been pushed to its absolute limits and has expended the majority of its disposable medical equipment. In this special edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence speaks with Dov Maisel, United Hatzalah's Vice President of Operations. Donate to support United Hatzalah's EMS response: United Hatzalah – Israel is at War | The Chesed Fund TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “We are a multi-faith organization, but we are an organization of human beings. What we've underwent here in the past week has nothing to do with human beings. This is barbaric. This is something that I've never witnessed. And I've been through terror waves here in my 30 years of EMS. I've seen buses blown up. I've seen suicide bombers in dozens. Nothing on this scale. This is something that Isis did, we all remember watching the videos of what ISIS did, years ago. This overcomes all of that.” — Dov Maisel “I would say that the amount of tourniquets that we put out in the first 36 hours was in the thousands ... thousands of tourniquets. We treated over 3,000 victims on the ground. The amount of tourniquets, bandages, chest seals, trachs, chest drains, needle applications, tubes that were put out in this first 36, 48 hours of operation is more than what we use, I would say in half a year.” — Dov Maisel “Our ground rule is in EMS, you don't enter a danger zone, but the volunteers getting on the radios with me, I was in HQ when it started, before I headed actually down to the field – they're calling and screaming for help … the IDF soldiers that started the defense process were understaffed and they had no capabilities to rescue the victims out from the scene. And our volunteers simply, I told them, ‘it's up to you. Literally, it's up to you;' and they all went in.” — Dov Maisel “There were so many, just try to wrap your thoughts around having 3, 4, 5, 10 gunshot wound patients thrown at you – at one or two medics with one ambulance. You can't pile them up one on top of another. You had volunteers going with their private cars, throw them in the backseats, literally with tourniquets on them. Imagine – tourniquets on all extremities, all extremities, needle in their chest, chest seals – thrown in the back seats of cars driven out two, three kilometers out to the ambulance crews that were waiting there that can treat them.” — Dov Maisel ABOUT OUR GUEST With 30 years of experience, Dov Maisel has dedicated his life to saving the lives of others. When Dov was just 9 years old, he was walking home from school when he witnessed a horrific accident in which a 6-year-old girl was hit by a bus. He decided he never wanted to be helpless when someone in his vicinity so desperately needed lifesaving treatment. By the age of 14, he began volunteering on an ambulance. Maisel has served as a combat paramedic in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in four different wars. After his army service, he began working as an EMT, dispatcher and driver for Israel's national ambulance service. During the 2000-2003 terror wave in Israel, Maisel personally responded to and managed EMS teams at thousands of terror attacks. Maisel is the inventor and developer of numerous medical devices, including a pocket BVM airway management device, which is used internationally in many armies, including the U.S. Military. In 2006, he was one of the founders of United Hatzalah, Israel's first all-volunteer EMS organization. He serves as the director of operations, managing national and international operations along with the Israeli police, IDF and Ministry of Health as well as other government bodies. He invented what is now United Hatzalah's Uber-like GPS-based dispatch system which locates and sends the EMT closest to the medical emergency. Maisel graduated from several NATO- and Red Cross-led international workshops on disaster management and led international relief missions in Haiti, Nepal, Mumbai and, most recently, in both Houston and Florida, after the devasting hurricanes, as the head of international operations of United Hatzalah. He continues to serve as a volunteer, instructor and mass casualty incident manager. He has received the Israel President's Award for volunteerism and sits on the International Editorial Board of JEMS Magazine. RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONESTOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This edition of EMS One-Stop was recorded in New Orleans at the 2023 EMS World Expo.  Host Rob Lawrence is joined by a range of guests who discuss the sessions they presented and the latest developments in clinical medicine. Alexia Jobson, director of public relations at REMSA, discusses top tips for dealing with the media, and she then interviews media pre-con student Katherine Robillard.  Peter Antevy, MD, describes his conference session, titled “Five protocol changes you're too afraid to make.” Brian Maloney of Plum EMS, in Pennsylvania, talks culture of safety, and lights and sirens reduction (and their results within the NEMSQA L&S reduction program). Doug Wolfberg, Esq., of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, steps in to discuss leadership lessons from the Beatles and his new book – "Beatles FAB but True." The episode concludes with veteran EMS podcasters Chris and Anne Monterra, who offer tips on the art of podcasting. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “‘No comment is a comment!' So you really want to avoid that as part of your media strategy and work to develop some transparent and honest information when those tough questions come.” — Alexia Jobson “Anything that you say to a reporter is considered on the record and can be used in a news story.” — Alexia Jobson “Top tips for going on camera: You want to make sure that they are knowledgeable about what they are going to be talking about, you want them to be a willing participant and able to re-frame and be positive about the content they are going to cover.” — Alexia Jobson “It's important for you to just spend a little time looking inside your organization, recognize those important stories that you want to share, and then make sure that you commit some time and resources to building those relationships with your audiences ... having that positive relationship in place will go a long way. And it's also important as a profession that we work together to kind of raise the profile of out of hospital healthcare and EMS.” — Alexia Jobson “Getting out the door, our shoot time is the No. 1 thing that can decrease our response times. It's not driving lights and sirens; it's not driving recklessly or speeding or not obeying the laws ... it's getting out that door quick from the time of dispatch to the time our truck's pulling out of the garage.” — Brian Maloney “When we first started looking at the use of lights and sirens during transport to the hospital, which is right there, that increases our chance of getting in a wreck threefold and so it's very dangerous. When we first started it, we were at 26% of the time using lights and sirens during transport; we're down to almost 2%, for transport to the hospital. For response to calls, we were about 46-48% of the time using lights and sirens; we're down to 7% of the time now.” — Brian Maloney “Antibiotics for sepsis, so a lot of people are fearful of giving antibiotics, and why? Because the hospital says we need to have a culture, a blood culture. Turns out that's not true. If the patient's hypotensive, they're fixing to die, as they say. And we in Palm Beach County can give the antibiotics within 12 minutes of the 911 call. And our own data shows that the hospital is giving antibiotics at 120 minutes. That's a 10-fold difference in that. So, antibiotics for sepsis are, I think, a major item.” — Dr. Peter Antevy “There's a story about how the Beatles had a drummer for a couple of years before Ringo. He wasn't quite the right fit for that band. He's a good drummer. But when they got Ringo in, they took off, right? So, in EMS, we tend to think if somebody has a pulse and a patch, let's hire them or let's bring them in. But we need the right people.” — Doug Wolfberg “Recognize your own limitations, I tell a story about how the Beatles sort of came on hard times when their manager died, but weren't quite wise enough to know what they didn't know. They thought ‘we can manage ourselves,' and so it's to also recognize your limitations and get the skills that you need, if you don't possess them yourself, with your team.” — Doug Wolfberg EPISODE CONTENTS 01:15 – Media management with Alexia Jobson (REMSA) 09:22 – Alexia Jobson interviews Katherine Robillard (LA Office of EMS) 11:37 – Brian Maloney (Plum EMS) talks culture of safety and lights and sirens reduction 20:15 – Dr. Peter Antevy on the five protocol changes you're too afraid to make 23:54 – Doug Wolfberg Esq. (Page, Wolfberg & Wirth) on leadership lessons from the Beatles 28:13 – Chris and Anne Monterra on the art of podcasting ABOUT OUR GUESTS Alexia Jobson REMSA Alexia Bratiotis Jobson is the director of public relations and serves the organization by expanding opportunities for engagement, promotion, communication and relationship-building. She has more than two decades of business and communications experience. Prior to joining REMSA Health, Alexia worked as a senior account director with KPS3, where she managed REMSA's client account, as well as accounts related to industrial real estate and higher education. She held communications-related positions with Renown Health and the Nevada Museum of Art. She holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). This certification asserts professional competence, high ethical standards and mastery of progressive public relations industry practices. She is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno's Reynold's School of Journalism. She serves as the immediate past president of the board of directors for Western Industrial Nevada (WIN), Chair of the Public Relations Committee of AIMHI and chair of the American Ambulance Association Communications Committee. Dr. Peter Antevy Peter M. Antevy, MD. is a pediatric emergency medicine (EM) physician practicing in-hospital emergency medical care at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a level I trauma and tertiary care center in South Florida. Board-certified in pediatrics, emergency medicine and the complex subspecialty of EMS, he is also the founder and chief medical officer of Handtevy – Pediatric Emergency Standards, Inc.; and he serves as the medical director for Davie Fire-Rescue, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Rescue, Southwest Ranches Fire Rescue and United Medical Transport, all in South Florida. Dr. Antevy also serves as associate medical director for several other agencies, including Palm Beach County, Florida, and he is also the longstanding medical director for two highly regarded paramedic training programs as well as several mobile integrated healthcare (MIHC) programs in greater Broward County, Florida. Brian Maloney Brian Maloney has been working in EMS for over 24 years as a practitioner, educator and leader. His EMS career began while attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he obtained his paramedic certification and bachelor's degree in emergency medicine. Later, he continued his education and achieved his Master of Science degree from Carlow University. He has spent most of his career working in the field and had the opportunity to teach with the Center for Emergency Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, he is the director of operations of Plum EMS, where he has been for the past 5 years. His love and appreciation for the EMS profession run deep, and he continuously strives to help make it that much better. Doug Wolfberg, Esq. Doug Wolfberg has been a well-known national EMS leader for decades. He is an EMS attorney and consultant, and a founding partner of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth. He has served as an EMS practitioner and has held positions at the county, regional, statewide and federal levels in his EMS career prior to becoming an attorney. He has written hundreds of articles and has been one of the most highly rated presenters at EMS conferences throughout the U.S. He earned his law degree magna cum laude from Widener University School of Law and holds an undergraduate degree from Penn State University. Doug also serves as an adjunct professor of law at Commonwealth Law School and as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Chris Montera Christopher Montera has more than 34 years of experience in paramedic services, public health, and the fire service. He is the director of State and Federal Programs for ESO and the former chief executive officer at Eagle County Health Service District and holds a master's degree in health leadership. Chris is serving as the National EMS Museum Treasurer for 2023. Anne Montera Anne Montera received a master's degree in health leadership from Western Governors University and a BSN from Bethel College. She has over 20 years of nursing experience in public health, labor and delivery, patient safety/quality improvement, and EMS coordination in urban and rural hospitals and community settings, including the use of telemedicine. In her previous role as the senior VP of quality for Ready Responders, she worked to research, develop and implement quality matrix to demonstrate program cost savings and health impact. She was also the executive director for the Central Mountains RETAC, supporting a 6-county EMS and trauma region in Colorado. She is the co-creator and public health partner for the first National Community Paramedic Pilot Program in rural Eagle, Colorado. She received the State of Colorado EMS Region of the year in 2019 and Colorado Nightingale Luminary Award for Innovation work on the Colorado community paramedic program in 2011. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Team-driven improvement in the use of lights and sirens – Plum EMS use cases demonstrate when the risk of using L&S is lower than the risk of delaying a lifesaving intervention RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONE-STOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In August 2020, Shawky S. Amine Eddine, MD, became the EMS commander for the Beirut Port Explosion – the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. The blast killed 200, injured 6,500, and resulted in excess of 300,000 people suffering home damages and losses. In terms of medical facilities in the blast area, four hospitals we rendered totally out of action, with eight further healthcare centers damaged. The explosion added to an already pressurized healthcare system, as the country was at the height of the pandemic, as well as hosting over 900,000 refugees from war-torn Syria. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Dr. Eddine joins host Rob Lawrence to discuss the backstory and devastation of the explosion, as well as the challenges to access, hospital capacity, communication, record keeping and the management of the dead. Tune in as Dr. Eddine shares 10 takeaways and lessons for responding to a large-scale MCI both identified from that eventful day (discussed in full in the broadcast): Don't fish in the same lake Factor emotions Leadership tokens are earned in management and spent in command Even in crisis … plan The importance of data Decision making You are not alone – coordinate and communicate Rescuers' wellbeing is a priority Don't forget yourself and don't lose yourself amidst the crisis We make mistakes About our guest Dr. Shawky Amine Eddine, MD, is a medical doctor with special interest in prehospital care, healthcare quality management and disaster management. He has served as an EMT in the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) since 2007 and as head of station for Damour EMS Station, and is currently acting as LRC director for learning and development, assistant EMS director for training and quality, and COVID-19 response coordinator. Dr. Amine Eddine has commanded multiple crises including Lebanon fires in 2019, Lebanon floods in 2019, protests in 2019-2020, COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 and the Beirut port explosion in 2020. He has led the real-time evaluations of COIVD-19 response. Dr. Amine Eddine is also a disaster management instructor in the Humanitarian Leadership Diploma, offered by Global Health Institute at AUB, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Nursing of the Lebanese Red Cross and a consultant for multiple local, regional and global NGOs. Connect with Dr. Amine Eddine: Twitter: @SAmineeddine LinkedIn EPISODE CONTENTS 1:00 – Introduction Shawky S. Amine Eddine, MD 1:30 – Description of EMS in Lebanon 04:43 – The role of Jerry Overton in the development of EMS in Lebanon 06:18 – Setting the 2020 scene in Lebanon. 09:00 – Ammonium Nitrate – a bomb in the warehouse 12:00 – Gathering the situation: The fog of war! 14:00 – Loss of medical infrastructure due to the blast 17:00 – EMS resources deployed 18:00 – Command and control: The UK GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE system 23:00 – Lessons identified versus lessons learned 23:50 – Don't fish in the same lake 28:00 – Factor emotions 30:00 – Leadership tokens are earned in management and spent in command 33:00 – Even in crisis … plan 37:00 – The importance of data 40:00 – Decision making 41:40 – You are not alone: Coordinate and communicate 43:00 – Rescuers' wellbeing is a priority 45:30 – Don't forget yourself and don't lose yourself amidst the crisis 48:00 – I make mistakes Additional resources Rapid Response: Beirut blast serves as stark reminder of the power of energetic materials Beirut and beyond: Planning for explosives in your community Forensic review: The Beirut port explosion UN Report: Beirut blast

“Instead of responding to the majority of 999 calls we receive every day, we want to flip that so we only go to those patients who really, really need a double staffed paramedic emergency ambulance quickly.” This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. It's very clear that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have raised the profile of the country of Wales with their “Welcome to Wrexham” football (soccer) team and series, but one Welsh organization – the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS trust – has a vision and world class level of service delivery that should receive equal attention. In this audio and video edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Host Rob Lawrence speaks with Professor Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service.  As the 999 emergency system that serves over 3 million Welsh citizens emerges into a post-pandemic world, Jason describes service delivery, the training and education of its medics and the fact that it is a about to operate without a medical director – in itself a move that identifies that clinical and academic paramedicine has come of age.  As Jason tells Rob, “We are transforming the way we deliver our service here in Wales, looking to tip the service model on its head essentially. Instead of responding to the majority of 999 calls we receive every day, we want to flip that so we only go to those patients who really, really need a double staffed paramedic emergency ambulance quickly … car crashes, broken legs, falls from height, cardiac arrest; and the rest we would service by the means of telephone or video advice, upstream with clinicians in our contact center or with advanced practice clinicians in the community.” TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE When a patient calls 999, “you could see a traditional road ambulance, but increasingly here in Wales and in other services across the UK, you could see a disposal which includes telephone or video triage and advice from our clinicians in our contact centers – they could be either nurses or paramedics … and we are closing now here in Wales about 15% of all of our emergency calls every day by way of telephone or video consultation without turning a wheel or sending an ambulance” — Jason Killens “If we do respond to the scene, it could be a traditional ambulance or increasingly it could be what we call an advanced paramedic practitioner, so that is an experienced paramedic, who has a degree, who has gone on to masters/education – those advanced paramedic practitioners with a master's degree, increasingly we are seeing a non-conveyance rate some 35-40% higher than a regular paramedic crew, so what that means is we are able to safely close episodes of care in the community and not respond with a double staffed ambulance/not convey the patient to the emergency department.” — Jason Killens “Fire Brigades and Departments in the UK aren't associated with medical response – It is the exception in the UK rather than the rule.” — Rob Lawrence “We are not transport organizations anymore, we do transport, but increasingly, we are providers of great clinical care in our communities … but we are looking to stretch and grow so we provide better outcomes for all patients here in Wales, and only convey them to the emergency department when we really need to and we think the solution to that is advance practice in communities with our own people.” — Jason Killens “We have just agreed with our board that when our medical director retires at the end of this year, we will not replace him. We will be the first ambulance service in the UK not to have a medical director on the governance board. Instead, here, we will have our senior clinician leadership provided by our executive director of paramedicine and we are the first ambulance service in the UK to have that role on the board. And we have taken that point of view simply because the paramedic profession has developed over the last two decades, to the point now where we believe we have sufficiently experienced senior clinicians in the paramedic workforce that are able to provide that senior level governance leadership, and direction for our clinical strategy. It is an important signal and message to our paramedic workforce that the glass ceiling is broken and paramedics to join us at 21/22 years old from university can absolutely see a pathway through to senior leadership, to a director on the board, and ultimately to jobs like mine as a paramedic if that's what they aspire to.” — Jason Killens EPISODE CONTENTS 1:10 –  Introduction of Professor Jason Killens 3:30 – Recruiting Australian paramedics to work in London 4:30 – Explaining EMS organization and control in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales 8:30 – In the UK, healthcare is free at the point of delivery 11:30 – Geographical distribution of ambulance services in Wales 12:38 – The provision of helicopter emergency medical services (which are mostly charity based, relying on donations to operate) 14:30 – What happens when a citizen calls 999 – how call taking and response is organized 15:30 – Hear and treat and advanced paramedic practitioners 21:10 – The journey of continuous service improvement 23:00 – Paramedic degree and advanced degree education, and career pathways 27:49 – Co-responding agencies including police, fire, the military and citizen responders 29:59 – Future plans for the Welsh Ambulance Service 31:00 – Senior clinical leadership provided by paramedics and not a medical director 34:00 – Fantastic people doing fantastic stuff ABOUT OUR GUEST Professor Jason Killens has spent his career working in Ambulance Services in the UK and Australia. He progressed through the ranks in London Ambulance Service from an EMT to executive director of operations. He was appointed as the chief executive of the South Australia Ambulance Service in 2015 before joining the Welsh Ambulance Service as chief executive in September, 2018. He is an honorary professor at Swansea University's College of Human and Health Sciences, and the chief executive lead for operations at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives. About Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) provides healthcare services for people across Wales, delivering high quality and patient-led clinical care, wherever and whenever needed Services include: The blue light emergency ambulance services: including call taking, remote clinical consultation, see-and-treat, and, if necessary, conveyance to an appropriate hospital or alternative treating facility. Non-emergency patient transport service: taking patients to and from hospital appointments, and transferring them between hospitals and treatment facilities. The 111 service: a free-to-call service which incorporates the NHSDW service and the call taking and first stage clinical triage for the out-of-hours GP service. The number was live throughout 2021/22 and the full service was rolled out in Betsi Cadwaladr, Cardiff and Vale University Health Boards in 2021/22, making the complete service universally available across Wales. WAST also supports community first responders, co-responders and uniformed responders to provide additional resources to respond to those most in need of help. During the pandemic, WAST provided the mobile PCR testing service for the whole of Wales. RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONESTOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this EMS One-Stop international edition, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Dr. Linda Dykes, an emergency medicine physician from the UK, and Rom Duckworth, fire captain and paramedic EMS coordinator for Ridgefield (CT) Fire Department. The discussion begins with the demise of the U.S. ET3 program, and then the group examine how community paramedicine is thriving in the UK and the lessons to be taken away. Rob and Linda also discuss the EMS World Expo “International Roundup” session they have jointly delivered together for the last 7 years and how they extract best practices from all international attendees. Rob, Rom and Linda then discuss the similarities and differences in emergency management tactics, techniques and procedures, and identify trans-Atlantic lessons already being exchanged. About our guests Dr. Linda Dykes Dr. Linda Dykes qualified from Newcastle (UK) Medical School in 1996, trained in the northeast and Mersey regions, and is one of only a handful of doctors in the UK who are dual-qualified in both Emergency Medicine & Primary Care/General Practice. Even fewer remain active in both specialties, and she is believed to be the only dual-qualified EM/GP in the UK who has also gained experience working in acute community geriatrics, in a "Hospital at Home" service. Linda also spent 2 years working regular shifts in Ambulance Control, and has dabbled in the development of telephone algorithms via a short secondment to NHS111 Cymru/Wales. Equipped with this unique skillset – plus a track record of successfully building up services – Linda sees the NHS through a unique lens, and loves to work at bridging the gap between hospital and community services. Rom Duckworth Rom Duckworth is a dedicated emergency responder, author and educator with more than 30 years of experience working in career and volunteer fire departments, hospital healthcare systems, and private emergency medical services. Rom is currently a career fire captain and paramedic EMS coordinator for Ridgefield (CT) Fire Department, the founder and director of the New England Center for Rescue and Emergency Medicine; and is the recipient of the American Red Cross Hero award, Sepsis Alliance Sepsis Hero award, and the JEMS EMS 10 Innovators award. As the author of chapters in more than a dozen EMS, fire, rescue and medical textbooks, as well as over 100 published articles in firefighting and EMS magazines and websites, Rom is working to advance leadership in modern emergency services education. Learn more Rob, Linda and Rom will also be delivering an international seminar: “Major Incidents & Disasters – an International Masterclass” on Saturday August 5.   For most emergency services personnel, major incidents are a rare event – maybe a handful at most in a career; maybe none. Few will become experts from personal experience alone, so learning from events that have gone before is crucial to preparedness at national, organizational and individual levels. This unique webinar brings you five world-class speakers, each of whom has operational, tactical and/or strategic experience (and some of them all of the above!) of major incidents from the UK, U.S., and Lebanon. Between them, they have responded to incidents ranging from boots on the ground at 9/11, to coordinating the pandemic response for an entire country, and everything in between … bus crashes, train derailments, gas explosions, bioterrorism, forest fires, floods, and hurricanes. This is an event where theory, research and first-hand experiences come together. Our speakers will share not only what they've learned from their personal experiences, but what they wish they'd known beforehand and what crucial points they now find themselves passing to others. This webinar is aimed at those who may have to plan for, and/or respond to, major incidents. As well as the obvious emergency service personnel, think also of hospital staff outside ED, council workers, undertakers, utility companies, coroners' teams and many more. The event is also open to the general public, and promises to be a fascinating and absorbing morning.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Ambulances for Ukraine lead Chris Manson returns to provide an update on the program that is now not only sending ambulances, but also fire trucks and SUVs to Ukraine. To date. U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine has delivered 38 ambulances and 6 fire trucks to Ukraine. A further 12 ambulances, 2 fire engines and several SUVs are to be shipped in July. Host Rob Lawrence and Chris recap the program so far and the tasks that the donated vehicles are be put to in country. Sadly, some of the ambulances donated earlier in the year have been destroyed due to hostile action. Chris issues a further call to action for donating ambulances, fire trucks and SUVs. Ukraine has now moved from defensive to offensive operations, and every vehicle is needed. As Chris describes, “If anyone gives me an ambulance, a fire engine or an SUV, I will get that vehicle into the fight.” In the video edition of this episode of EMS One-Stop, Chris has provided photos of the vehicles on their way to Ukraine as well as images and video of the vehicles in action and the brave crews on the front lines that operate them.  TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “The reality is the Russians in this conflict are targeting first responders, and it is one of the things they like to do. They will shell an area, cause havoc in an area with some sort of military strike, and then they will wait until the first responders respond, and when they do, they will target them.” “Like any firefighter in any city department, what's the first thing you want to do when a kid wanders around the fire truck? You want to sit them in the seat or put the helmet on right? So we put the first kid in, got them out, put the second kid in, I turned around and 20 kids are lined up. I went through those 20 kids and the 20 turned into 100, it felt like the entire town came out.” “I feel fairly confident now, that several of those vehicles have been destroyed.” “If anyone gives me an ambulance, a fire engine or an SUV, I will get that vehicle into the fight.” EPISODE CONTENTS 0:30 – Rob intro 01:17 – Introduction Chris Manson 01:38 – U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine backstory 04:53 – Why would we give serviceable ambulances to Ukraine if we still have a shortage in the U.S.? 06:38 – Current stats of vehicles donated 07:30 – The logistics of shipping a vehicle to Ukraine 10:34 – The road drive from Germany and through Poland 11:21 – Tracking ambulances – a big no-no! 12:40 – Distribution of vehicles in Ukraine 14:36 – The moment Chris arrives to hand over a vehicle down range 16:50 – Vehicles in military units liveried into camouflage paint 19:00 – The need for fire trucks and SUV/patrol vehicles 22:01 – Call to action – we need ambulances, fire trucks and SUVs – now! 24:00 – Where the fire trucks are deployed 25:15 – The Ukrainians can fix anything (so it doesn't matter if the donated vehicle has a few faults) 27:55 – Final thoughts ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris Manson is the vice president of government relations for OSF HealthCare, a 15-hospital health system operating out of Peoria, Ill. He is a former firefighter from California and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine @ambulancesU 

Steve Grau, Anna Liotta and Steve Wirth join hosts Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero at the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference 2023 This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this EMS One-Stop/Inside EMS crossover podcast, Chris Cebollero teams up with Rob Lawrence to report on the 2023 American Ambulance Association Annual Conference from the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. Rob and Chris discuss their own personal highlights and Rob's leadership session, delivered with Acadian Ambulance President, Justin Back. Rob and Chris are joined by Page, Wolfberg & Wirth Founding Partner, Steve Wirth, Esq., and discuss bias, the topic of Steve's conference session.  Rob then interviews AAA keynote speaker, Anna Liotta, together with Royal Ambulance President Steve Grau, as they discuss: Generational codes in the workforce The revolving door of employment Creating the milestones of forward progression Understanding that your people are you primary customer TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “In dealing with bias, self-awareness is absolutely critical – you have to do an inventory of your life and say ‘where are these things that I've experienced and how do they affect my decision making today and my interaction with other people,' so self-awareness is really the first step.” — Steve Wirth “When you go to a conference, go up to somebody. The reason that you have a nametag, with your first name in very large font is so that I can say, ‘Hello Chris, I'm Rob, pleased to meet you. What do you do?' and that's how a network occurs.” — Rob Lawrence “Having this culture of a high-level of engagement is really focusing on our employees as our primary customer and making sure that we understand what their goals, ideals, passions are, and how to meet them.” — Steve Grau “Just by the way they answered a simple question ‘so, what do you do?' I could tell if they had been working there 2-3 weeks if they answer with a bright sparkle, ‘I work at Amazon.' But if they had been there 2-3 months, they would pause, ‘well … I work at Amazon,' And 6 months, they would drop a codeword, ‘I currently work at Amazon.'” — Anna Liotta -- Watch for more https://www.ems1.com/leadership/articles/the-10-commandments-of-servant-leadership-OkBq610vz8C12Gb1/ -- EPISODE CONTENTS Part 1: Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero – Serving to lead 00:30 – Rob and Chris introduction 1:30 – Car seat safety (not rated for ambulances) 3:30 – Rob's leadership session with Acadian President Justin Back on the principles of leadership, serving to lead 05:30 – Chris discusses leadership as a science 06:30 – What we want from our leaders Part 2: Steve Wirth – Overcoming bias 07:30 – Welcome Steve Wirth 08:00 – Steve discusses his conference session, “We are all prejudiced” delivered in partnership with Macara Trusty (GMR) 11:30 – The importance of networking and meeting professional friends 14:56 – Chris talks about his leadership series on EMS1 Part 3: Anna Liotta and Steve Grau – Retaining your primary customer 16:00 – Introduction: Anna and Steve 17:00 – Generational difference - Have you seen a “Star Wars” movie? 17:30 – Anna: Common sense is not that common 18:30 – The Royal Ambulance (award winning) Career Bridge Program 20:00 – Generational codes in the workforce 22:50 – The revolving door of employment 24:00 – Creating the milestones of forward progression 25:00 – Anna's Experience with Fortune 500 companies 25:30 – Understanding that your talent and people are your primary customer 26:00 – Creating an arc of experience 28:00 – Not allowing yourself to say “that's how I did it” 29:00 – Fostering the whole human 30:00 – Pulling talent forward 31:00 – Rob and Chris close ABOUT OUR GUESTS Anna Liotta Anna Liotta, creator of Generationally Savvy Communication Solutions, is an award-winning speaker, business consultant and author. She engages audiences with her practical strategies for attracting, growing and retaining top talent and loyal clients from every generation. Anna integrates communications, sociology, business psychology and demography to unify workplaces and dramatically improve company performance. Her expertise and insight have helped such companies as Pike Place Market, Intel, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Amazon, the PGA, NBA and United Way. Steve Grau Steve Grau and his family emigrated from Ukraine in 1989, arriving in San Francisco with $80 to their name. He became interested in healthcare 15 years later, when he took a hands-on role caring for his grandfather after a series of debilitating strokes. Witnessing how emotional support impacted physical healing, Steve was inspired to leave the tech industry to start an ambulance service that focused on patient experience. Steve Wirth Steve Wirth is a founding partner of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth. In a distinguished four-decade public safety career, Steve has worked in virtually every facet of EMS – as first responder, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, flight paramedic, EMS instructor, fire officer and EMS executive. He was one of central Pennsylvania's first paramedics. Steve brings a pragmatic and business-oriented perspective to his diverse legal practice, having served for almost a decade as senior executive of a mid-sized air and ground ambulance service, helping to build the company from the ground up.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Our EMS One-Stop Host Rob Lawrence was recently invited attend the keynote session at the North Carolina EMS Expo, and to deliver an after-dinner speech at the banquet. The title of Rob's session was “Elephants in the EMS room,” in which he addressed 10 things we must acknowledge and fix in order to improve the health of our profession. As soon as he left the keynote stage, Rob joined Bradley Dean and David Blevans from the EMS Handoff Podcast to discuss the key issues raised in Rob's presentation. The biggest elephant in the room currently is recruiting and retention, and in addition to discussing inside industry suggestions, Rob looked to the outside world and got his inspiration from Glass Door, and identified what stands EMS apart from the nation's top 50 companies to work in. The discussion also covers data and politics, cost collection and surprise billing, amongst the other elephants in the EMS room. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “I don't talk about surprise billing, I talk about surprise payment, the surprise is what the insurance company actually gives you.” — Rob Lawrence “A lot of local authorities will describe what they want to see in their EMS system when they bid them out and these are wholly unaffordable, in fact, they describe the cruise liner, when they can only afford a rowboat.” — Rob Lawrence “We have to stop thinking that we are the UN and start to thinking like NATO, because NATO is an attack on one is an attack on all so, we have to start changing our mindset.” — Rob Lawrence EPISODE CONTENTS 00:53 – Introduction 01:15 – Bradley Dean and David Blevins 2:10 – Elephants in the room 2:58 – Recruiting and retention 4:00 – Looking for clues via Glassdoor 5:05 – Is EMS in a pickle? 6:00 – Surprise billing 6:22 – EMS costs 7:00 – The cost of readiness 7:30 – Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Committee 9:46 – Four little words – all those in favor! 10:20 – We are all politicians 11:30 – Degree or no degree – that is the question 15:40 – If you are going to get a degree anyway, why not a paramedicine degree! 17:00 – Data and making use of it 20:00 – Wall time 24:00 – The importance of advocacy 28:00 – National organizations working together 37:00 – The Peter Principle and training our people for the next position 39:00 – Close

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell announces plans to rename the USFA to the U.S. Fire and EMS Administration  This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. EMS One-Stop Host Rob Lawrence recently travelled to Florida to attend the Metropolitan Medical Directors Gathering of Eagles Conference. In this week's episode, he shares video from key sessions and interviews with a number of leading EMS medical directors, including Dr. Jim Augustine, medical director of Lee County, Florida. The Eagles also gave the floor to the U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, who identified how the Metropolitan Medical Directors will work closely in the future with the U.S. Metropolitan Fire Chiefs – and identified that a name change to USFA may soon follow. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “Seventy-five percent of what we do in the fire response space is in fact EMS, and something that I shared with these guys yesterday is an action, I won't say a movement yet, but an action under way, we may in fact in the near term actually rename the U.S. Fire Administration the U.S. Fire and EMS Administration.” — Dr. Lori Moore Merrell “We have just stood up in January an EMS branch within our National Fire and EMS Programs Division. That is a huge move for USFA, so we are going to be moving toward even bigger announcements in the near future ... but we need to embrace what we do in the fire service, that is greater than 70%, most departments 75% and up of EMS.”  — Dr. Lori Moore Merrell EPISODE CONTENTS 01:00 - Takeaways from Brandon Morshedi, MD; Peter Antevy, MD; Joseph Zalkin; Petar and Amber Hossick 02:00 - Introducing the comments from Dr. Moore-Merrell 04:00 - Recorded comments from Dr. Moore Merrell 09:00 - Discussion with Dr. James Augustine 24:00 - Closing commentary

Paramedic Amanda King shares her story of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and overcoming EMS burnout This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. After realizing she was suffering from burnout, Paramedic Amanda King decided to leave her service and take on one of the most physically challenging trails in the United States. Amanda made a decision that changed how she saw people, how she viewed the world and how she understood herself. Three months after resigning, selling her house and storing her furniture, Amanda was dropped off in Georgia, alone, with one goal: to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. With her hiker home packed into a rucksack on her back, she embarked on a seven-and-a-half month epic adventure which saw her hike nearly 2,200 miles. She endured harsh weather, a regional drought, rugged terrain and so much more on a journey that evolved her in ways she could not have ever imagined. After deciding to return to EMS, Amanda chats with Rob Lawrence about her experience, the individuals she met along the way and how her experiences can be translated back into life as a medic. Amanda also reflects on her life before the trail and offers inspiration and takeaways for all. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “I think my biggest regret is, it's a very simple word. It's two letters long and it's the word ‘no!' Don't be afraid to say no. Take time for yourself, because you are the most important person. You know, if you're not happy and if you're not safe, how can you expect to keep other people happy and safe? I think that's the biggest thing, don't work so much overtime, don't inconvenience yourself to do all of these things that's asked of you, in return you're not taking care of yourself. So, one thing that I decided if I got back into EMS, is I would use my vacation time. So I'll put it to you this way. When I was at the former employer, I took a vacation maybe twice in 6 years or something like that, like an actual vacation. I've already taken two vacations since I started here at Novant, since November – so that's a huge difference.” “I don't want to say yes, a 7-month hike in the woods cured all my problems, because that's not at all the case. I think that it's an ongoing process that, once you reach that point of burnout, it's number one up to you. It's not up to anybody else to help you. It's up to you to help you. And you have to want that change. I think that it's an everyday thing. Every day I need to do things that keep me on that path of not going back down that road again.” “I think that was a symptom of the burnout where I was at, I had no patience whatsoever and it showed. It showed to my partner, it showed to family members that I would encounter on a call. And I hate to admit all that; it's embarrassing, but that's where I was, that was the point where I was at. I think now, after all that time off, and all that time to self-reflect, I think I'm more patient because I believe that I'm more empathetic, which is also something that I can't say that I possessed before I left.” EPISODE CONTENTS 02:29 – Introducing Amanda King 05:06 – Symptoms of burnout 07:16 – The moment you realize you are done 10:57 – Selling and putting everything in storage 13:23 – Hiking with friends 15:53 – Packing for a 2,000 mile walk 18:48 – Mental fortitude 22:47 – Trail angels 24:40 – Trail magic 26:32 – Becoming ‘moss' 29:49 – Hindsight is 20/20 31:16 – Keeping a journal 33:30 – Taking a zero: how to use down time 41:14 – 2,000 miles later … 48:05 – Developing patience 51:02 – Message to those heading into crisis or breakdown 54:13 – Contact details ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC Reignite EMS passion by banishing burnout (eBook) On-demand webinar: Navigating a path to career satisfaction 5 EMS tips for a work-life balance EMS Burnout Repair Kit: Reigniting your EMS passion ABOUT OUR GUEST Amanda King is a paramedic from the coast of North Carolina. Prior to joining EMS, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. During her first 10 years in EMS, she was promoted to field training officer, became an EMS instructor, developed a field training and evaluation program for her former agency, taught EMS classes for the local community college and earned a real estate license. She left EMS and thought she'd never return. Now, after becoming one of just over 1,000 people to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2022, she has returned to EMS and now works for Novant Health Mobile Integrated Health. She is currently in graduate school to obtain a master's degree in public administration. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Instagram LinkedIn RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONE-STOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Page, Wolfberg & Wirth was asked by the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to research frequently asked questions related to data in EMS patient care reports. PW&W analyzed these questions under applicable laws and guidance, and developed general answers and best practices contained in the new publication, “Patient Care Report Data QuickGuide - FAQs on owning, amending, retaining and sharing patient care report data.” In this week's EMS One-Stop, available in both video and audio versions, Host Rob Lawrence speaks with the PW&W authors of the project, Ryan Stark, managing partner, and Steve Johnson, director of reimbursement consulting. They discuss the guide, why it's needed, and the major FAQs and misconceptions about PCRs. The guide is broken down into four key areas of FAQs: PCRs' legal status Amending PCRs PCR retention Transferring PCR data Top quotes from this episode “I would much rather defend an organization who regularly goes through a quality assurance process, whereby they make the provider and hold them responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the record.” — Ryan Stark “Others may say, we see a lot of amendments to your records. The answer is ‘yes, that's because we care about getting it right' – that's the mantra of our organization.” — Ryan Stark “One of the things behind the importance of documentation is that it doesn't live in a vacuum. We are in a day and age where it's going to follow the patient for their lifetime, so you may have a rehab facility that wants to consult the medical record to determine the mechanism of injury or how the injury occurred and the only person [that knows that] is the EMS practitioner.” — Ryan Stark “Long gone are the days where we can give you a quick ticket, passing along the information to the receiving facility. Now we are marrying up records, electronic health exchanges and other mechanisms and the genesis of all this starts with the original call.” — Steve Johnson “Everyone should sign the patient care report. Why? Because everyone was a function of providing that particular service and we get a lot of pushback and they say ‘well now I'm legally responsible for everything that happened,' and that's not what the law says. The law says, for what you did, you are responsible for what you did and what you didn't do when you had a legal duty to do something or withhold doing something because it was contraindicated. All that indicates is that yes, I reviewed it and to the best of my knowledge it's true and accurate.” — Ryan Stark “The law will impose liability where it lands. Just because you've signed that particular patient care report, doesn't mean you're responsible for all the interventions and everything that I outlined in there, it would be whoever performed or withheld those interventions that would be responsible within the scope of practice.” — Ryan Stark Episode contents 1:09 – Introductions 1:30 – PWW history 3:30 – Introducing the PCR Data QuickGuide 4:20 – The circle of life of a PCR  11:00 – NEMSIS data/research license and EMS by the numbers 13:20 – Who owns PCR data 15:50 – Signatures! And legal responsibility 17:40 – Accuracy of documentation to defend your actions 18:30 – Why does the driver have to sign? 20:00 – Amending PCRs: When and why 22:33 – Who do you tell if a record is amended? 24:30 – Can your state request you to amend your PCR? 27:30 – How long should we keep documents? 30:50 – When an agency closes down or merges 33:30 – Body-worn camera content 35:30 – Transferring paper records to digital 37:15 – Bi-directional data and HIE – responsibilities 40:00 – Final thoughts Additional resources The PCR Data QuickGuide is available now, and we encourage all EMS professionals to download their copies and gain a deeper understanding of PCR data best practices. To download the guide, please follow the link: About NEMSIS About Page, Wolfberg & Wirth About our guests Ryan Stark Ryan Stark is a managing partner with Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, and is the firm's resident “HIPAA guru.”  He counsels clients on labor relations, privacy, security, reimbursement and other compliance matters affecting the ambulance industry.  Ryan started in the healthcare field as a freshman in college, where he worked for a local hospital and a retail pharmacy.  After college, he decided to become a lawyer, hoping to guide healthcare providers through the demanding legal issues they face.  He has been with PW&W since 2007, fulfilling that ambition.   Ryan is passionate about educating EMS professionals and loves collaborating with providers and CEOs alike. He is a featured speaker in PW&W seminars and webinars, including the firm's signature abc360 Conference, where he hosts the abc360 Game Show. Always enthusiastic, Ryan has been invited to speak at many state and regional EMS conferences, as well as national industry events. He is also an adjunct professor at Creighton University in the school's Master of Science in Emergency Medical Services Program.  Ryan developed, and is the primary instructor for, the nation's first and only HIPAA certification for the ambulance industry – the Certified Ambulance Privacy Officer.  He also co-authored PWW's widely used Ambulance Service Guide to HIPAA Compliance.   Ryan volunteers with local community nonprofit organizations. He was also a big brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over a decade and keeps in touch with his “little.” Ryan also enjoys hiking, running, kayaking and traveling, and spending time with son Oliver.    Steve Johnson Steve began his career in the EMS industry in 1985, gaining valuable experience while serving as an EMT and later as director of a municipal ambulance service in Minnesota. As an ambulance service manager, Steve established his expertise in areas of operations, billing and administration.   Steve also has significant EMS educational experience. He established and served as training coordinator and lead instructor for a State Certified EMS Training Institution for EMTs and First Responders.   Steve served on both the Rules Work Group and the EMS Advisory Council to the Minnesota State Department of Health. He joined the staff of a large, national billing and software company, where he was a frequent lecturer at national events and software user group programs. For over 7 years, Steve served as director of a national ambulance billing service and was responsible for all aspects of managing this company, including reimbursement, compliance and other activities for ambulance services throughout the nation. Steve served as founding executive director of the National Academy of Ambulance Coding (NAAC), overseeing all activities of the Academy, including the Certified Ambulance Coder program, the nation's only coding certification program specifically for ambulance billers and coders.   As the director of reimbursement consulting with Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, Steve is involved in all facets of the firm's consulting practice. Steve works extensively on billing and reimbursement-related activities, performing billing audits and reviews, improving billing and collections processes, providing billing and coding training, conducting documentation training programs, and performing many other services for the firm's clients across the United States.   Steve is also a licensed private pilot, and enjoys an active role in his church. Rate and review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast spotlights the popular online education series Reel Emergency, which uses real bodycam footage to illustrate various types of medical emergencies. The footage is then discussed in a live broadcast by very well-known emergency medicine physicians, Drs. Peter Antevy, Mark Piehl and David Spiro. Reel Emergency offers free continuing education credit on the day of the Prodigy EMS based broadcast (you must be in the live audience to receive CE) and is then made available via YouTube for all to view and use as part of their clinical education.  Reel Emergency has now produced 15 episodes and has been viewed tens of thousands of times as both individuals and departments benefit from the content, the expert analysis and commentary, as well as subject matter expert guests. In this podcast, Rob Lawrence chats with Reel Emergency's regular host Hilary Gates, director of educational strategy for Prodigy EMS; and Zach Dunlap, clinical education specialist from 410 Medical. Zach also previously worked for an agency that pioneered the use of body-worn cameras in EMS and offers insight into their adoption and use.  TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “These real patient videos actually show what's happening on a call. Where else do you get that? You can't get that anywhere else and there's something to be said for doing scenarios and having standardized patients or mannikins, but nothing beats watching the actual call itself because you also have all of the other elements of the call that are really hard to recreate in the classroom. You have all of the emotions all of the bystanders, all of the equipment, the communication aspects you have to worry about, and you have real human reactions” — Hilary Gates “If you are an educator, and you are teaching a certain topic – anatomy, physiology, scene management, all operations, whatever it is – and there is a way to illustrate that, you should be required to illustrate it with a video – there's just no better way to do it.” — Hilary Gates “It should almost be a requirement at this point, the main reason people don't want body cameras in EMS is because it's grossly misunderstood.” — Zach Dunlap EPISODE CONTENTS 1:00 – Introductions 01:35 – REEL Emergency 02:20 – Everyone knows Drs. Spiro, Antevy and Piehl 4:00 – Using video for education 6:10 – Gaining free CE and watching on-demand 07:20 – Using body-worn cameras on the street 08:23 – Using BWCs for performance improvement 11:25 – Suggesting that BWC eventually become the standard of care 12:50 – Where does Reel emergency get its videos from? 14:00 – Filming the Falmouth Road Race and heat emergencies 15:20 – How to view Reel Emergency? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC Current Reel Emergency topics include sessions on HP CPR, heat emergencies, peds emergencies, junctional hemorrhage, ped airways, anaphylaxis, intracranial emergencies, delirium, end of life care, GSWs and altered mental status. Following are additional resources on incorporating body-worn cameras: Promoting transparency and accountability with BWCs Three outdated paradigms holding EMS back Leadership's role in keeping our workforce safe How to buy body-worn cameras (eBook)   ABOUT OUR GUESTS Zach Dunlap began his EMS career as a paramedic in Amarillo, Texas. After working in Oklahoma City, he returned to the Texas panhandle, where he worked as a flight paramedic for several years. Zach now resides in Houston, and has served as a flight paramedic and clinical director for a progressive 911 system. Currently, he is a clinical education specialist for a national medical company educating and training clinicians across the country on volume resuscitation. Zach obtained his bachelor's in emergency health sciences and has always focused on providing excellent patient care through innovative approaches. Zach enjoys sports and spending time with his two children, Brogan and Brynlee, and their Goldendoodle, Claire. Zach is also the assistant treasurer of the Board of Commissioners of Harris County ESD11 in northern Houston. Hilary Gates, MAEd, NRP, is the director of educational strategy for Prodigy EMS and a volunteer paramedic in the Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department. She is also a faculty member of the School of Education at American University in Washington, D.C., and teaches Introduction to Community Health in the EM Program at University of Pittsburgh. Beginning her career as a volunteer EMT with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Montgomery County, Maryland, Hilary became a full-time paramedic, EMT instructor and FTO at AFD, and then served as senior editorial and program director for EMS World. She implemented AFD's MIH/CP program in 2017 and has extensive experience as an EMS educator, symposium presenter and quality improvement trainer. ABOUT THE REEL EMERGENCY PANEL Dr. David Spiro is a pediatric emergency physician and professor at University of Arkansas Medical System, and he is chief medical officer of Reel Dx. Dr. Peter Antevy is a nationally recognized lecturer and expert in the field of prehospital pediatrics and cofounder of Handtevy Pediatric Emergency Standards. He currently serves as the EMS medical director for multiple fire and rescue departments in Florida. Dr. Mark Piehl is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric intensivist at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, and co-founder of 410 Medical. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS Hilary Gates: Linkedin Twitter Zach Dunlap: Linkedin Twitter RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONESTOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Host Rob Lawrence speaks with Dr. Maia Dorsett and Paramedic Nikki Little to discuss the NAEMSP Quality Improvement and Safety Course, an exciting year-long course that provides EMS physicians and quality improvement leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead QI and patient safety initiatives in their region, system or agency. Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of how to apply QI tools and strategies to their local needs to affect the care of patients. Dr. Dorsett and Little identify that the program will take participants on a journey to improve the quality of care and safety in their system through a multi-modal approach in sessions led by expert faculty, who will discuss key aspects of quality improvement. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “I think one of the things I love about this course is half the faculty are not physicians. There is a fair percentage of NAEMSP membership that are not physicians and the quality course especially is very deliberate. It has faculty from different backgrounds.” — Dr. Dorsett “Your system is complex; all of the policies and procedures and processes that you have set up for the folks to work in them, they don't always work as designed.” — Nikki Little “Once a month, and even more often than that, because you meet with your mentees, you get to really collaborate idea-wise and work together with a group of people who are all there committed to making improvements in their system.” — Dr. Dorsett “So many quality leaders are still stuck in this in this moment, where they're looking at 50% in May and 52% in June, and we're just comparing these two numbers and making massive strategic decisions about things that might be seasonal or have abnormal variation and we could be really making some really dumb mistakes if we're not looking at our data over time.” — Nikki Little EPISODE CONTENTS 02:00 – Introduction – Nikki Little 2:25 – Introduction – Dr. Maia Dorsett 02:40 – Description of the course 03:30 – Quality Course origin story 05:30 – Little's experience as an inaugural participant 0745 – Month-by-month syllabus 10:00 – PDSAs and brevity in QI 13:00 – Capstone and results presentation 15:20 – Little's course highlights 17:29 – Dorsett's course highlights 21:25 – This course is not just for physicians 23:10 – Course overall timeline 24:30 – Cohort presentations at the annual meeting and poster presentations 26:20 – Class sign-up details ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC  NAEMSP Year-Long Quality Improvement and Safety Course ABOUT OUR GUESTS Maia Dorsett, MD, PhD, is an emergency medicine and EMS physician and educator. She completed her EMS fellowship at Washington University before moving to Rochester, New York, where she now serves as the medical director for EMS education at Monroe Community College and is the associate regional medical director for education and quality for the Monroe-Livingston Region. She is also the medical director for Gates Volunteer Ambulance as well as Prodigy EMS. Nationally, she serves on the board of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Registry of EMTs. She is involved in quality improvement implementation and education, serving as the co-course director for the NAEMSP Quality and Safety course. Nikki Little, FAEMS, has fulfilled many roles as a paramedic, including advanced care paramedic, district chief of paramedic operations, 911 communication supervisor, and quality and patient safety officer in almost 30 years in EMS. She has a passion for patient-centered quality improvement of systems and has advocated for policy advances in the areas of patient safety, team communication and opioid overdose. She has dedicated countless hours to improve the quality and safety of patients with non-transport dispositions, (especially elderly and at-risk persons) and to improve the care for patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes (with particular focus on gender disparities in care). She has also contributed through committee work by way of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada and the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance. In the area of quality improvement and paramedic education, she is in her sixth year as faculty of the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) Quality and Safety Year-Long capstone course and preconference workshop. Her dedication to furthering the educational mission of the organization, and skill in teaching patient safety and improvement science to paramedic professionals and EMS physicians was duly recognized when she was named co-director. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS Maia Dorsett Nikki Little

999, London Ambulance Service Deputy Director Simon Harding talks emergency planning for the royal gathering This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Recorded with less than 24 hours to go before the coronation of King Charles III, of England, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Simon Harding, deputy director of the London Ambulance Service to discuss planning for the coronation. Harding also serves as deputy director of the London's 999 control centers. Harding begins by highlighting the construct of ambulance services in the United Kingdom, as well as the scope and operation of the London Ambulance Service, which serves 9 million citizens of the national capitol, plus visitors. LAS takes over 2 million 999 (the UK equivalent of 911) calls a year in addition to 2 million 111 calls (for non-emergency responses). Harding and Rob discuss how incident management operates in the UK, using the GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE levels of command, and the roles and responsibilities at each level. They talk about the plans for the coronation and how LAS – in partnership with public safety and military planners – are preparing to support the historic event. Resources mentioned in this episode London Ambulance Service John's Ambulance Service Additional resources for mass gathering planning Boston EMS' Joe O'Hare: All hazards incident management EMS coverage for mass gatherings and public events How EMS can prepare for a mass gathering to become an MCI 7 ways to be prepared before the mass gathering turns into an MCI

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Ginny Renkiewicz, PhD, is an assistant professor of healthcare administration in the College of Health Sciences and Human Services at Methodist University, Fayetteville North Carolina. Dr. Renkiewicz has been involved in EMS for 21 years as a credentialed paramedic, administrator and leader. Her specific research interests include defining predictors and profiling traumatic stress syndromes in EMS personnel and she recently had two papers published in the U.K. and U.S. on subjects related to her research interests. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence and Dr. Renkiewicz discuss her publications, “Secondary trauma response in emergency services systems (STRESS) project: quantifying and predicting vicarious trauma in emergency medical services personnel,” which discusses the emotional countertransference that occurs between the clinician and patient, and “Maladaptive Cognitions in EMS Professionals as a Function of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which analyses how the coronavirus disease pandemic has profoundly affected EMS professionals. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “I don't think we will ever go back to normal; this is kind of like 911. There was before 9/11, and there was after 9/11, and this is going to be before COVID, and after COVID.” “Vicarious trauma is emotional counter, transference; essentially, you are feeling what the patient feels when they're experiencing a traumatic event. Example being, if you had a call, for example, a stillbirth, you may for the following weeks or months have this weird aversion to children or things in which infants are involved and you may have a stress response to those situations in the same way that the patient would have.” “Post traumatic stress injury is not the only stress disorder that exists out there. It is the one that I think most frequently cited by educators and administrators, because we don't know all of the other more insidious stress disorders, of which vicarious trauma is one.” “A predictor of having vicarious trauma as an EMS professional; my hypothesis is that if your parents or whomever your caregivers are do not teach you how to appropriately and emotionally cope with anything in any situation, it becomes very difficult for you to know how to do it properly in your adult life and so you overcompensate, and so vicarious trauma occurs in that population.” EPISODE CONTENTS 1:12 – Introduction: Dr. Ginny Renkiewicz 1:55 – Ginny's academic career 3:00 – The development of research on EMS 4:50 – Paper discussion – secondary trauma response 09:00 – Education on stress disorders 11:24 – Therapy dog program 12:30 – Next steps/further work on resilience training 1530 – Maladaptive cognitions 17:20 – Getting published in the SOM Journal 19:00 – Learning, conclusions and takeaways 23:00 – The new normal 24:18 – Call to action for leaders 26:13 – NHTSA Listening Group on wellness, resilience and peer support programs 27:30 – Getting involved in research 31:00 – NAEMT Lighthouse leadership program ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC Secondary trauma response in emergency services systems (STRESS) project: quantifying and predicting vicarious trauma in emergency medical services personnel “Maladaptive Cognitions in EMS Professionals as a Function of the COVID-19 Pandemic” ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Ginny Renkiewicz is an assistant professor of healthcare administration in the College of Health Sciences and Human Services Methodist University, Fayetteville, North Carolina. She has been involved in EMS for 21 years as a credentialed paramedic and Level II paramedic instructor. She has spent 17 years as a program director, division chair or department head and has been recognized for her contribution to the EMS profession as a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services (FAEMS) through the National Association of EMS Physicians. She has won several national and international awards, including National EMS Educator of the Year and the global EMS10 Award for innovation in the field of EMS. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Sign Language Interpreting degree from Wilson Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care with a concentration in EMS management and a Master of Health Science in EMS education (both from Western Carolina University), and a Ph.D. in Health Science with a concentration in Respiratory Care from Rush University. Dr. Renkiewicz is a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals; serves as executive director of the Foundation for Prehospital Medicine Research; and is enthusiastic about research, innovation and student mentoring. She is also the vice chair of the North Carolina Association of EMS Educators. Her specific research interests include defining predictors and profiling traumatic stress syndromes in EMS personnel. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Email: drginnyrenkiewicz@outlook.com Twitter: @DrKrankyPants LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ginnyrenkiewicz RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONESTOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) on Jan. 31, 2020, and was extended a number of times, but it is now set to expire on May 11, 2023. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by Doug Wolfberg, Esq., of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth to discuss the immediate actions organizations should take (or should have already taken) to preserve documentation relating to the PHE, as well as adjust operational and documentation practices and procedures as we “return to normal.” Rob and Doug discuss issues such as rule changes that have become normal operating procedures over the last 2 years and the need to build a time capsule to preserve evidence. They also cover patient signatures, telehealth changes, transport to alternate destinations, agency licensing and Physician Certification Statements. Doug, a lifelong Beatles music fan, also shares that he has just published a book: “The Beatles: Fab but True: Remarkable Stories Revealed” and will be undertaking a book signing tour in the UK later in the year. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE At the end of the PHE, “We revert back to the standard inflexible Medicare signature rules which means that the patient needs to be the signer, and the only time that you can get a signature from anyone else is if that patient is physically or mentally incapable of signing that statement.” EPISODE CONTENTS 1:12 – End of the PHE announced 2:00 – Rule changes have become normal operating procedures 2:20 – The need to build a time capsule to preserve evidence 4:30 – Big change ticket item number one – patient signatures 6:40 – A reminder to establish the reason the patient is unable to sign a PCR 7:20 – Telehealth changes                                                 10:00 – Transport to alternative destination coverage ends (but place your pandemic local clinical guidance in your time capsule now!) 13:07 – ET3 – not affected and is separate 15:24 – Doug and the Beatles 17:52 – Ambulance staffing waver also going away 18:55 – Agency licensing back into full force – no more grace periods 21:12 – Physician Certification Statements (PCS) – do not cut corners on your PCS signatures 22:15 – Leaders pay attention to this podcast ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Doug's new book: “The Beatles: Fab but True: Remarkable Stories Revealed” ABOUT OUR GUEST Doug Wolfberg is a founding partner of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, and one of the best-known EMS attorneys and consultants in the United States. Widely regarded as the nation's leading EMS law firm, PWW represents private, public and non-profit EMS organizations, as well as billing companies, software manufacturers and others that serve the nation's ambulance industry. Doug answered his first ambulance call in 1978 and has been involved in EMS ever since. Doug became an EMT at age 16, and worked as an EMS provider in numerous volunteer and paid systems over the decades. Doug also served as an EMS educator and instructor for many years. After earning his undergraduate degree in Health Planning and Administration from Pennsylvania State University in 1987, Doug went to work as a county EMS director. He then became the director of a three-county regional EMS agency based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He then moved on to work for several years on the staff of the state EMS council. In 1993, Doug went to the nation's capital to work at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, where he worked on federal EMS and trauma care issues. Doug left HHS to attend law school, and in 1996 graduated magna cum laude from Widener University School of Law. After practicing for several years as a litigator and healthcare attorney in a large Philadelphia-based law firm, Doug co-founded PWW in 2000 along with Steve Wirth and the late James O. Page. As an attorney, Doug is a member of the Pennsylvania and New York Bar Associations, and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court as well as numerous Federal and state courts. He also teaches EMS law at the University of Pittsburgh, and teaches health law at the Widener University School of Law, where he is also a member of the school's Board of Overseers. Doug is a known as an engaging and humorous public speaker at EMS conferences throughout the United States. He is also a prolific author, having written books, articles and columns in many of the industry's leading publications, and has been interviewed by national media outlets including National Public Radio and the Wall Street Journal on EMS issues. Doug is a Certified Ambulance Coder (CAC) and a founder of the National Academy of Ambulance Coding (NAAC). Doug also served as a commissioner of the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). In his free time, Doug is an avid bicyclist and musician. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: www.pwwemslaw.com Email: www.pwwemslaw.com/contact# Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-wolfberg-099ab236 RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONE-STOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.  

EMS One-Stop Show Notes - National EMS Museum This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence discusses the National EMS Museum (NEMSM) with President Dave Zaiman; Museum Director, Kristy Van Hoven; and Jon Krohmer, MD, immediate past-secretary and "We are EMS" coordinator. The National EMS Museum is a volunteer-led organization that collects, preserves and shares the history of emergency medical response in the United States in hopes of inspiring future professionals to take up the call. The National EMS Museum organization operates a virtual museum and produces traveling exhibitions that tour the country every year. The Collections at the National EMS Museum house over 300 years of history that cover the development of prehospital care in the United States, North America and around the world. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “We are here to educate the future. We are here not only to document the legacy, but here to provide a foundation and an education that EMS as a profession, as we move forward is respected, is understood, and maybe in a small part this museum can play a part in improving EMS altogether.” EPISODE CONTENTS 03:05 – Origins of the NEMSM 05:04 – The style and model of the NEMSM 07:00 – Changes underway – recruiting individuals with experience in museum activities 11:50 – President Dave Zaiman 13:20 – Getting EMS into the community 15:00 – Favorite artifacts 16:30 – From MAST pants to blood transfusion 17:20 – Fundraising effort in order to take the museum on the road 20:30 – Developing a traveling mobile “We are EMS” museum project 23:40 – How to book a traveling exhibit ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC The National EMS Museum California Ambulance Association Siren special edition: Fifty Years of Wedworth-Townsend ABOUT OUR GUESTS Dave Zaiman Dave is currently Sales VP - Midwest at Pulsara.  For over 30 years, Dave has been working in healthcare – both as an EMS professional as well as holding several leadership roles in the healthcare technology industry. Based in Minnesota, Dave spent his first 15 years working in the field as an EMT and paramedic in the Twin Cities metro area for both Allina and Hennepin County Medical Center. Kristy Van Hoven Kristy is the museum director for the National EMS Museum and PhD candidate at the University of Leicester. Over the last 3 years, Kristy has worked with the National EMS Museum's Board of Trustees to develop and implement engaging e-volunteer opportunities and community programs that reach their digital audience. In addition to her work with the EMS Museum, Kristy volunteers at several local museums in Toronto, Ontario. Jon Krohmer, MD Dr. Krohmer served as the director of the NHTSA Office of EMS before his retirement in November 2021.  During his tenure as director, Dr. Krohmer oversaw several milestones for the profession, including the creation of EMS Agenda 2050; major revisions to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model and the National EMS Education Standards; and improvements in the collection and use of EMS data through the expansion of the National EMS Information System. Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Krohmer was tapped to lead the prehospital/911 team as part of the Federal Healthcare Resilience Task Force. Prior to joining NHTSA, Dr. Krohmer had decades of experience as a local EMS medical director, initially in his home state of Michigan. His EMS career began as an EMT with a volunteer rescue squad. Like many EMS professionals, he was inspired by the television show “Emergency!” and by the emergence of the relatively new field of emergency medicine. He entered medical school at the University of Michigan knowing he wanted to make EMS his career. After becoming involved in EMS at the state and national level, he also served as president of the National Association of EMS Physicians from 1998 to 2000. In 2006, he came to Washington to serve as the first deputy chief medical officer for the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs and served in several other DHS roles before joining NHTSA in 2016. RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONE-STOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes back, Alexander Isakov, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, executive director of the Emory Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR), and EMS lead for the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC). Returning guest, Dr. Isakov provides an update on the current emerging pathogens, diseases, outbreaks and fevers that have featured recently in the news. Candida auris, Marburg virus disease, avian influenza, Nipah virus are discussed as well as recaps on Ebola, COVID-19, polio and seasonal influenza. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “What's concerning CDC officials and experts is there is a multi-drug resistant strain of Candida auris that is really picking up in their surveillance programs.” “While no one wants to be exposed to a multi-drug-resistant Candida auris, it's really the ominous compromised patient that's going to be likely most affected by it, so that means elderly patients or patients that are getting chemotherapy and have some immunosuppression consequence of that or people that are taking immunosuppressant drugs, they are the ones really at greatest risk.” “The likelihood that EMS personnel are going to encounter somebody with Marburg virus disease in the U.S. during routine operations is extremely low, but good to be vigilant about it and identifying that someone might have been exposed, and understanding their travel history, if someone is ill, has a fever or myalgia, GI complaints and has travelled within the last 21 days to equatorial Guinea or Tanzania, then it would raise suspicion.” ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC CDC: Infection prevention and control for Candida auris CDC: Information for infection preventionists NETEC: Situation report: Marburg cases rise in equatorial Guinea and Tanzania NETEC: EMS guidelines for Marburg virus disease ABOUT OUR GUEST Alexander Isakov, MD, MPH, is a professor of emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine in both emergency medicine and emergency medical services (EMS). Dr. Isakov is the director of the Section of Prehospital and Disaster Medicine whose faculty provides medical oversight for 911 communications centers, and ground and air EMS responders in metropolitan Atlanta. He is also the executive director of the Emory Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR), which serves as the center for Emory enterprise-wide planning for and coordinated response to catastrophic events. Dr. Isakov has provided leadership in emergency medical services and disaster preparedness locally and nationally. He serves as the medical director for the Sandy Springs Fire Department and Air Life Georgia. He is the founding medical director for the Emory-Grady EMS Biosafety Transport Program. He is the EMS lead for the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and is a designated Subject Matter Expert for the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (ASPR TRACIE). Dr. Isakov is also on the American College of Emergency Physicians Epidemic Expert Panel and is a member of the EMS sub-board for the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He previously served on the National Association of EMS Physicians board of directors and the Technical Expert Panel for NHTSA's EMS Agenda 2050. Dr. Isakov has an MD from the University of Pittsburgh and an MPH from Boston University. He completed his emergency medicine residency training at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and his EMS fellowship with Boston EMS. Dr. Isakov has lived and worked in Atlanta for 20 years. He practices clinically in the emergency department of Emory University Hospital. RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONE-STOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Russ Myers, Nikki Holm and Gwen Powell are chaplains at Allina Health Emergency Medical Services and in this episode, they join Rob Lawrence to discuss the role of chaplaincy in EMS. The guests discuss their role and responsibilities as well as the book, “Because We Care: A Handbook for Chaplaincy in Emergency Medical Services,” written by Russ Myers. Over the past half century, the field of chaplaincy has come to a fork in the road. Many will recognize the well-traveled path of traditional chaplaincy. Others will follow the newer but clearly marked way to professional chaplaincy: a clinically trained, evidence-based discipline, reflecting and serving the diverse expressions of spirituality in modern society. Until now, chaplaincy in EMS has been the terra incognita, the unknown land on the map. Drawing on three decades of clinical chaplaincy practice, scholarship and original research, Russell Myers charts the map, making the case for ambulance service chaplaincy: how to think about it and how to do it. TOP QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “For me it's all about love, how can I bring some light, some life, some love into the world, and I am able to do that in these situations by just showing up as we call in chaplaincy – the ministry of presence.” —Gwen Powell “I do this work is to come alongside people and remind them of their humanity to help them break down their defenses and their shields to get back to the truth of who they are, to help them be seen and heard and taken care of.” —Nikki Holm EPISODE CONTENTS 1:23 – Introduction Russ Myers 2:43 – Introduction Nikki Holm 4:00 – Introduction Gwen 7:35 – Book discussion: Because We Care – The Role of the Chaplaincy in Emergency Services 11:20 – Terra Incognita 12:30 – What motivates a chaplain? 15:30 – A chaplaincy intervention story 20:15 – A chaplain's workload 23:00 – Being Proactive: Establishing a trusting relationship with the workforce 23:30 – Being Reactive: when an incident or issue occurs 30:15 – Education and being a presence during training 34:58 – If you are thinking about introducing g a chaplain 36:30 – Moral Injury and the social contract 40:40 – Overcoming the staff stigma about coming forward 42:00 – Close ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC “Because We Care: A Handbook for Chaplaincy in Emergency Medical Services” When EMS meets hospice. End-of-life care takes a heavy emotional toll: Seek support when needed ABOUT OUR GUESTS Russell Myers serves as a chaplain for Allina Health Emergency Medical Services, based in Minneapolis. He holds a BA from Ohio State University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. Russ is ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is board certified with the Association of Professional Chaplains. He lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Gwen Powell is an ordained episcopal priest and board-certified professional chaplain who has been working with Allina EMS since 2020. Prior to working for Allina, she provided spiritual care to patients and staff on the adolescent behavioral health units at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. Gwen graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in psychology in 2008 and earned her Master of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University in 2010. She earned her Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2014 and has been passionate about mental health chaplaincy since beginning her ministry work in 2015. In her free time, she likes to beat her husband and kids at Mario Kart, exercise, walk/hike with her family, watch baseball, and sing with the Northern Lights Chorale. Nikki Holm has been engaged in the meaningful work of EMS Chaplaincy through Allina Health since the Spring of 2020. Prior to making the transition to EMS, Nikki provided spiritual care and health education in an outpatient mental health setting for several years. Nikki was board certified with the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. in 2017, graduated with a Master's degree in Spirituality from St. John's School of Theology in 2007 and with a Bachelor's degree in Theology from The College of St. Benedict in 2005. Nikki lives in an earth home with her husband, their three beloved children, and three furry companions. Outside of soaking up life with her littles, Nikki enjoys rock climbing, writing, reading, yoga, gardening, and otherwise spending time with her tribe. Contact Nikki at Nicole.Holm@allina.com. RATE AND REVIEW THE EMS ONESTOP PODCAST Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This special episode of EMS One-Stop is part of 2023 First Responder Wellness Week. Do you want to improve your physical fitness, increase your resiliency, eat better and sleep longer? Get started with videos, articles and other resources at www.firstresponderwellnessweek.com. You can also learn more about what Lexipol is doing to support health, wellness and safety among first responders. In this special First Responder Wellness Week episode of  EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Mike Taigman and Kevin Pannell to discuss the many facets of wellness, why wellness is essential for first responders, and easy tips for getting started to improve fitness, nutrition, stress management and more. Memorable quotes “The work we do involves your cognitive abilities to think well and sort out challenging situations for patients and calls and circumstances. You've got to lift people and move them and those kinds of things, so there's a whole physical component, and the stress management is absolutely part of the wellness, and if you don't kind of have a handle on that, there's a lot of stresses this world presents to you – and poorly managed stress, we know, tears down your physical, psychological and emotional wellness.” —Mike Taigman “If you're in EMS or fire and you can't carry the med box in one hand and the defibrillator in another up two flights of steps and you're gassed and you can't work when you get there, then you're useless. And, for police, if you can't wrestle with somebody because you're exhausted in 30 seconds, it's a problem.” —Kevin Pannell   Together, they offer tips like: Pay attention to your plant-to-processed food ratio Start with pushups. You don't need all the equipment they have at the CrossFit Games, Pannell notes. “You can get a smokin' workout from just you and the ground.” Or take a walk. Take a holistic approach to fitness (weightlifting, something that makes you breathe hard and stretching); it's about balance About our guests Mike Taigman uses more than four decades of experience to help EMS leaders and field personnel improve the care/service they provide to patients and their communities. Mike is the Improvement Guide for FirstWatch, a company which provides near-real time monitoring and analysis of data along with performance improvement coaching for EMS agencies.  He teaches Improvement Science in the Master's in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership at the University of California San Francisco and the Emergency Health Services Management Graduate Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Kevin Pannell works in program and project management in the healthcare IT space. He has previous experience as a public safety and military veteran, and produces wellness content. Resources mentioned in this episode Pannell5 Fitness Club KEV Talks Podcast Kevin Pannell on Twitter @pannellkg “Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases” by Dean Ornish, MD; and Anne Ornish “How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease” by Michael Greger, MD, FACLM; and Gene Stone