MAAS Monthly

In this episode, Katie sits down for a candid conversation with Jordan Teitsma, a rising leader in her EMS agency. Jordan shares her personal journey of stepping into leadership—how she discovered her strengths, overcame early doubts, and found purpose in supporting her team and community. Together, Katie and Jordan explore what it really means to lead in EMS, the importance of mentorship, and how authenticity and service can shape a meaningful career path. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just starting out, Jordan's story will leave you inspired to find your place—and voice—in EMS leadership. 

In this episode, Angela Madden and Laurie Thiel discuss a critical policy issue that is significantly impacting EMS in Michigan. Whether you're responding to calls or influencing policy, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode, we explore the journey of Leah Lewis, who, after eight months as a supervisor realized the role wasn't the right fit. Leah candidly shares her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the insights that led to her decision to step down. Her story sheds light on the complexities of leadership and the importance of self-awareness in career choices.

Chapter leader, Laurie Thiel chats with Katie Arens, VP of Customer Access at Life EMS and Angela Madden, Executive Director of the Michigan Asociation of Ambulance Services to reflect on the first year of the Michigan WiES Chapter. Take a listen as they talk about their hopes and dreams for 2025 and reflect on 2024.

In this empowering episode, Laurie and Andrea dive into the art of time management tailored specifically for women working in emergency services. Balancing your demanding career with personal life can often feel like a challenge.Laurie and Adnrea share proven strategies, from prioritization techniques to tools that can help you stay organized during even the most chaotic days. We also explore how to combat burnout, manage shift work, and make time for self-care while staying at the top of your game.If you're looking for practical tips and inspiration to better manage your time, improve productivity, and reclaim some personal space, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to make every moment count in your career—and in your life outside of it.

Laurie Thiel talks to Andrea Abbas about her experience while on deployment during the Hurricane Helene response.

In this episode, host Andrea Abbas and Michigan Chapter leader Laurie Thiel discuss the challenges of facing conflict in the workplace and how to lead in an environment of conflict.

In this episode Laurie and Andrea talk about what women in EMS might do that delays their career advancement. Do you do something at work that could impact your upward movement? Are you aware of those behaviors? Take a listen and learn more about some typical blind spots we, as women, face in our career advancement. Don't forget to register for our upcoming conference here: Conferences & Events (miambulance.org)

In this episode, Laurie Thiel and Katie Arens sit down to talk about the August 27 conference. Visit Conferences & Events (miambulance.org) to learn more and to register.

In an ongoing feature of the WiES Wednesday podcast, Andrea Abbas and Laurie Thiel record a live conversation about the future of 24-hour shifts in EMS. 

Laurie Thiel has been filling in for WiES Wednesday host Andrea Abbas, as she transitions to a new position in EMS. This week, Laurie and Andrea reconnect to talk about Andrea's journey to her new position and the challenges she faces in the transition. 

In this episode, join Laurie Thiel as she talks to Molly McCann-Pineo, the author of a new whitepaper titled "The Female Emergency Medical Services Experience". "Women, compared to men, are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes across their lifespan, including anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These outcomes may become further exacerbated among those whose occupations require them to be frequently or consistently exposed to stressful and potentially traumatic events, such as healthcare workers and first responders.Emergency Medical Services is specifically challenging, with often challenging working conditions, labor shortages, and low wages. Women may also experience unique workplace stressors in comparison to their male counterparts, such as gender-based discrimination and bias, pregnancy, child and familial demands, and even trauma, all of which significantly contribute to their occupational and personal well-being. "

Laurie Thiel talks to Brook Atikinson to discuss what Brook calls "Grieving EMS" Brook worked in EMS for 38 years and since went on to become an RN.  She missed a lot of the EMS culture and friendships, and she points out some of those differences in today's podcast episode. 

In this episode, host Andrea Abbas is joined by Becky McKim, Stryker Account Manager-Northern MI. Listen in as Andrea and Becky sit down to talk about the importance of building strengths-based relationships from a place of passion and accountability. 

Join host, Andrea Abbas as she talks with Becky McKim, the Stryker Account Manager in Northern MI. In this episode, she sits down to talk with Becky about the importance of building strengths-based relationships from a place of passion and accountability. Together we'll discuss how personality traits and self-awareness can impact the success of the relationships we build. 

Joining Andrea Abbas on this podcast episode is Emily Bergquist, Division Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of EMS, Preparedness and Systems of Care. Today, Emily and Andrea discuss the importance of mentorship and professionalism in the field of EMS. 

Join host, Andrea Abbas as she sits down with Michelle Anderson and Michelle Reinert from SafeTech Solutions LLP. In this podcast episode, she sits down with Michelle them to learn more about this new course offering focused on emerging female leaders.The SafeTech Women's Leadership Development Series is a three-level training series developed for women by women.   The series is designed to focus on the three differentiated stages of the Career Life Cycle. The Emerging Leadership course is designed for women in the early stages of their career development who are preparing to become people leaders in their organization. The Experienced Leadership course is designed for women with some experience leading people and departments as they begin to shift their focus from working “in the business” to working “on the business”. The Executive Leadership course is designed for advanced-career women seeking to move into the C-Suite positions.Each level corresponds to a three-day program of study focusing on: Personal Competencies; Developing Others; and Financial, Business, and Strategic Acumen.  Each level provides continuity in the focus areas and customizes the learning content and modules to be commensurate for the experiences and challenges encountered at each stage of career life.

Join host Andrea Abbas on this podcast episode with Jodi Abraham. Jodi is the Client Services Advocate for The Accumed Group, Owner of the EMS training, education, and revenue consulting company EMS Pros LLC, and practicing EMT. In this podcast episode, Jodi and Andrea sit down to discuss the unique career experiences we've had working as women in the field of EMS.Studies conducted among general first responding populations have found that females experience higher proportions of burnout, and that gender is a significant predictor of burnout. It has also been reported that female first responders experience higher levels of stress and adverse mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and even suicide, compared to their male counterparts.These stressors, in addition to others such as lack of opportunities for advancement and mentorship, are applicable to all female first responding populations, but have been minimally described among EMS clinicians. Experiencing these stressors in addition to the demanding nature of their occupation, female EMS clinicians may be at even higher risk for adverse mental health outcomes. 

In this episode join host, Andrea Abbas and Michigan Chapter Chairwoman, Laurie Thiel for a quick update on where you can find WiES in the coming months.  American Ambulance Association Annual Conference and TradeshowHome - Annual Conference & Trade Show (ambulance.org)Michigan EMS EXPOEMS EXPO (miambulance.org)

Happy Valentines Day! Today's podcast episode is all about L.O.V.E. Joining host Andrea Abbas on this episode is Matt and Terrie Godde and Chris and Kristine Kuhl. Both lovely couples who met in EMS and continue to work in the industry. They have a love for each other AND a love for EMS.

In this episode join host Andrea Abbas and Michigan Chapter director, Laurie Thiel as this discuss what brings them happiness in EMS. Learn what keeps them motivated every day!

Today, host Andrea Abbas speaks with Katie Arens to learn more about personal branding, why it matters and how to cultivate your own personal brand.Katie is the WiES mentorship chair and the Vice President of Customer Access of Life EMS Ambulance in Grand Rapids. 

Welcome to the first episode of WiES Wednesday! Your host, Andrea Abbas walks us through the importance of joining an organization like WiES and what the upcoming season will look like.  Joining Andrea are Michigan Chapter leader Laurie Thiel of Mobile Medical Response and Angela Madden from the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services. Be sure to visit Home (womeninemergencyservices.org) for more information and to join today!

Welcome to WiES Wednesday!

In this episode of the MAAS Monthly Podcast, MAAS Executive Director and host, Angela Madden sits down with MAEMT leaders talking about their upcoming Leadership Summit.Joining Angela are:Josh Kay, Southwest Michigan Community AmbulanceTrish May, Tri-Hospital EMSTony Sorensen, Retired, Life EMS AmbulanceAre you interested in joining MAEMT - visit www.maemt.com Interested in registering for the Summit - visit www.emsexpo.org

Forty-three years after the study that created modern EMS systems, much has changed in prehospital care, including public access to AEDs, bystander CPR, and medical first responder programs. However, many communities and agencies continue to expose EMS personnel, patients, and the public to dangerous responses as they race to meet outdated time metrics.Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the time saved with lights and siren use has little-to-no impact on patient outcomes. Join Matt Zavadsky and Kolby Miller as they discuss the strategies for reducing risk and changing the mindset surrounding the use of lights and sirens. If you are a community leader and would like to join Medstar Ambulance for their Safety Summit, click here for additional information: 2023 EMS Safety Summit Information & Registration - Medstar (medstarambulance.org)

To begin our fourth season, MAAS Executive Director Angela Madden sits down with the team from the newly formed Women in Emergency Services association. Angela sits down with WiES Executive Director, Ashley Montoya and founding members Scott Moore and Andrea Abbas to learn more about the organization, its goals for the future, and the four pillars of its foundation:EmpowermentNetworkingEducationMentorshipInterested in becoming a member? You can join here:  Join WiES (womeninemergencyservices.org)

Today, MAAS Executive Director Angela Madden sits down for a quick conversation with Emily Bergquist, the Director of the Division of EMS and Systems of Care with MDHHS to discuss the recently announced EMS workforce grants. As the deadline quickly approaches, make sure to know all the steps to apply for a grant. Need more information, visit here:  EMS Grants (michigan.gov)

Join Executive Director, Angela Madden as she talks directly to the presidents of both MAAS and MAEMT about the work they have been doing over the last 18 months. What have both organizations been working on? How do they work together?You've gotten your membership renewals, so what's next?Want to join either organization, visit:www.miambulance.orgwww.miemt.org

In our return to the podcast after a short break, host, Angela Madden sits down with Dr. Jon Krohmer, the former director of the federal Office of EMS. They talk about his work during his time in federal service and his current project, the National EMS Museum. 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 covers the development of pre-hospital care in the United States, North America and around the world.Become a member of the National EMS Museum by going to www.emsmuseum.org.  

Chris Haney and Bill Adams from Tri-Hospital EMS join host Angela Madden for a live sit down on site at EMS EXPO 2022. This episode was recorded at the beautiful Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan.  For more information visit, www.emsexpo.org.

Orlando L. Blanco has been an attorney and litigator for nearly 40 years, during which he has tried cases involving a wide array of liability issues including: Civil Rights liability, Governmental Liability Claims, Products Liability, Premises Liability, Automobile Negligence (both First and Third Party), Professional and Medical Malpractice, Hospice Liability, Rental Car Liability, Paramedic and EMT Liability, Semi Tractor/Trailer Liability, Insurance Claims disputes, Property Losses and Wrongful Death cases.Prior to opening his own private practice in 1995, Mr. Blanco served as a Senior Litigation Attorney with CIGNA Insurance Company's Field Litigation Office in Detroit Michigan where he defended a number of insurance defense claims.Mr. Blanco is regarded as a national authority in the area of Risk Management, particularly in the EMS field, having published and presented numerous works on the subject and having successfully defended EMS providers in dozens of states in the United States.Contact Orlando here:  www.blancopc.com

The Stay Well program is administered by behavioral health professionals at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in partnership with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) and Gryphon Place. It provides mental health support services to Michigan residents struggling to cope with emotional distress from the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. Originally set up through a federal grant from FEMA in early 2020 with training provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the program is now supported by state and federal funding. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call -888- 535-6136 and use option "8". For more information visit. www.michigan.gov/StayWell 

Scott is a Massachusetts licensed attorney and possesses certifications as both a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). He is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA), the Northeast Human Resource Association (NEHRA), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).In addition, Scott is an active member of the American Ambulance Association and has been a Site Reviewer for the Commission for the Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for many years.Scott is still an active EMT and continues to respond to emergencies as a Call Fire Fighter in his hometown.Moore EMS Consulting LLC

Ken Cummings front Tri-Hospital EMS in Port Huron and Gary Wadaga from Bay Ambulance in Baraga take a few minutes to talk about what the new Medicaid reimbursement increase means to their agencies.  

This episode was recorded on September 22, 2021 just hours after the House of Representatives approved the FY22 Budget. Representative Yaroch was elected to the House in 2016 and has been a firefighter/paramedic for over 25 years.

On June 24, 2015, Ben Vernon's life changed. While responding to a “routine medical assistance” call, he was stabbed multiple times by a bystander. The incident and the ensuing ordeal left Ben with a changed perspective.Ben shares his story so that others, who may be going through a similar situation, can know that what they are experiencing is not their fault and that they are not alone. He wants others to know the impact this kind of event can have on a person, and how best to help someone who is going through crisis.

The Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) joins host, Angela Madden to talk COVID, vaccines and the future of healthcare in Michigan. 

We  welcome Michigan's 64th Lt. Governor, Garlin Gilchrest, III. LG Gilchrest talks the importance of EMS Week and how everyone's job has changed during the pandemic.  

The information collected by EMS caregivers in patient care reports can be extremely valuable to public health officials, policymakers, health care providers and anyone else looking to tackle a public health problem. Michigan's EMS data repository is a collaborative system to improve patient care through the standardization, aggregation, and utilization of point of care EMS data at a local, state and national level. Host Angela Madden brings in Director of Operations for Life EMS Ambulance (and overseers of data at Life EMS), Kraig Dodge to pose answer some serious questions about how to obtain the best data and how to use it.  Joining us on the podcast today are:Emily Bergquist, State MCA CoordinatorJohnny Wagner, State Data CoordinatorBonnie Kincaid, Executive Director of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority and Chair of the EMSCC Data Committee

In this episode, guest host Kraig Dodge from Life EMS Ambulance turns the tables on Angela and puts her in the hot seat. And it was all recorded on her birthday!

The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) is one of only three non-profit State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) in the country. As Michigan’s SORH, MCRH plays a key role in rural health care by assisting in the creation and implementation of partnerships among organizations, health departments, hospitals, government, and academia. Those collaborations and alliances go on to create new opportunities in the areas of network development, quality of care, emergency medical services, continuing education, and recruitment and retention of rural health care providers. In this episode, we sit down with MCRH EMS Program Manager Andrea Abbas, to discuss the MCRH’s mission to continue to advocate for and advance rural health within the State of Michigan. The last Critical Access Hospital to close in Michigan was in 2012. None have closed since. The Northern Michigan University has a Center for Rural Health with whom the Michigan Center for Rural Health works closely.

MAAS Executive Director Angela Madden sits down with State of Michigan EMS Education Coordinator Terrie Godde and Kevin Wilkinson EMSCC Education Subcommittee Chair. They talk about changes to the e-licensure portal, Michigan Reconnect and Paramedic program accreditation.

Host Angela Madden talks with Scott Moore from Moore EMS Consulting about EMS agency COVID-19 vaccination programs. Is your agency ready?

The world’s first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine rolled out of Kalamazoo and into hospitals and health departments earlier this week. MAAS recently polled EMS agency leaders and learned that only 30-60% of their crew members were prepared to receive the vaccine immediately. Most still had some questions. On this special edition of the MAAS Monthly Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Steve Rockoff, emergency department service chief at Henry Ford West Bloomfield, and Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director at Oakland County Health. Together, they have been an integral part of the COVID-19 response and are here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions among EMS practitioners!

Join host Angela Madden and Reimbursement guru's Ron Slagell and Katie Arens for a thorough discussion of current EMS reimbursement items and issues facing EMS agencies today. Since recording, CMS has delayed the Cost Data Reporting requirements for another year due to COVID-19. Check out the WPS Learning Center here: www. wpsghalearningcenter.com

MAAS Executive Director Angela Madden talks with MAAS Legislative Committee Chair, Jeff White from Richmond Lenox EMS and Bret Marr from Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates about industry advocacy efforts. Join us as we celebrate EMS personnel and Jeff's MIRS Quote of the Day!

Join MAAS Executive Director Angela Madden as she talks with MAAS Board President Jack Fisher and Professional Standards Committee Chairman, Chris Haney about what MAAS is and the organization's goals for the future.