Podcast appearances and mentions of rob lawrence

Finding grant funding can feel overwhelming, particularly for smaller EMS and fire agencies where one person often wears multiple hats. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Lexipol Grant Writer and Colorado Firefighter-Paramedic Anya Otterson to demystify the grant-writing process. From identifying funding priorities and locating grant opportunities, to building a compelling case backed by data, Anya provides a practical roadmap for agencies looking to secure funding for equipment, staffing and operational improvements. She explains why success starts with clearly defining organizational needs, understanding grant priorities, and assembling evidence that demonstrates both community impact and operational necessity. The discussion explores the complete grant lifecycle, from preparing competitive applications, through to post-award reporting and compliance. Anya emphasizes that strong grant applications combine hard data with real patient stories, while Rob shares lessons learned from managing successful Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and transportation safety grants. They also discuss how AI tools such as ChatGPT can accelerate research when used appropriately — but caution against relying on AI to write narratives outright. The episode concludes with encouragement for agencies to not be discouraged by unsuccessful applications, reminding listeners that grant writing is an iterative process where persistence and continual improvement often lead to success. Additional resources EMS1 GrantFinder: Our suite of solutions gives agencies direct access to seasoned grant professionals—backed by over 500 years of combined experience—along with a comprehensive tailored grant database Assistance to Firefighters Grants: Meeting firefighting and emergency response needs On-demand webinar: Grants Day — Your funding playbook. Get the insights, expert advice and tools to help your agency score big on grants Key quotes "The data and statistics are incredibly important when writing grants, but to try to set yourself apart, I do like to have a little bit more of a personal touch." — Anya Otterson "Figure out what kinds of things you want funding for and prioritize it." — Anya Otterson "You've got to be in it to win it." — Rob Lawrence "Give yourself enough time. This is not a day-before kind of thing." — Anya Otterson "Making sure that everybody's on the same page is critical because this is not something you can really do in a silo." — Anya Otterson "Never be afraid to reach out to the funding agency with questions. Their job is to help you through the process." — Anya Otterson "ChatGPT should not be writing your narratives for you." — Anya Otterson "If you don't get funded the first time, keep trying." — Anya Otterson "The juice is worth the squeeze." — Rob Lawrence Episode timeline 00:00 – Introduction and why so many EMS leaders struggle to know where to begin with grants 01:30 – Meet Firefighter-Paramedic and Lexipol Grant Writer Anya Otterson 03:00 – The first step: identifying and prioritizing organizational funding needs 04:00 – Where to find grants, including GrantFinder, ChatGPT, state resources and direct outreach 05:45 – Overview of FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program 07:00 – Understanding funding priorities and why high-priority requests have the greatest chance of success 09:00 – Building a compelling grant narrative using statistics, research and patient stories 12:30 – Grant writing best practices: answer the questions, proofread thoroughly and involve leadership early 15:50 – Importance of organizational buy-in and internal communication 17:20 – Understanding grant requirements, matching funds and funding conditions before applying 18:40 – Post-award responsibilities, reporting requirements and maintaining compliance 20:40 – Rob shares practical lessons from administering successful federal grants 23:20 – Lexipol's GrantFinder platform and professional grant writing services 25:45 – Using ChatGPT responsibly to support grant research while avoiding AI-generated narratives 29:35 – Final advice: persistence, continual improvement and learning from unsuccessful applications Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

The 2026 AIMHI Excellence in Public Information or Education Award recognizes organizations that create innovative programs which improve health, educate communities and demonstrate measurable outcomes. This year's recipient, the Medic Keep the Beat Foundation, earned national recognition for a groundbreaking fall-prevention initiative that is helping older adults remain independent, reducing repeat 911 calls and preventing avoidable hospital admissions. The award celebrates programs that move EMS beyond emergency response into proactive, community-based healthcare. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence sits down with Jimmy Pierson, president and COO of Medic Ambulance; and Angeline Pierson, occupational therapist with the Medic Keep the Beat Foundation, to explore the award-winning program in depth. The discussion covers everything from home safety assessments and occupational therapy interventions, to public-private partnerships, sustainable funding, EMS workforce innovation and why prevention may be one of the greatest opportunities facing EMS today. Key quotes “You've taken the frequency out of a faller.” — Rob Lawrence “We don't want healthier transports; we want a healthier community.” — Jimmy Pierson “This isn't a business model; it's a community model.” — Jimmy Pierson “We want to keep people safe and independent in their own homes.” — Angeline Pierson “With this program they can stay at home instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.” — Angeline Pierson “The key is finding partners who see you as a partner; not as a subcontractor.” — Jimmy Pierson “The Australian paramedics became part of our family; they weren't temporary staff.” — Jimmy Pierson Additional resources Awards – AIMHI Medic Keep the Beat Foundation Fall prevention: EMS patient education tips after the lift assist Fall hazard reduction and emergency alerting Geriatric slips, trips and falls: 3 assessment considerations 9 fall prevention tips for EMS providers to share Episode timeline 01:00 – Meet Jimmy and Angeline Pierson 02:00 – Inside the award-winning fall prevention program 06:45 – How patients enter the program 08:30 – Why preventing falls starts inside the home 12:30 – Measuring outcomes and demonstrating return on investment 15:00 – Funding, grants and building community partnerships 17:00 – Public-private partnerships with California fire departments 22:00 – Sonoma County Fire and collaborative EMS delivery 28:00 – Workforce rebuilding after COVID-19 31:30 – Recruiting Australian paramedics and creating a sustainable workforce 34:30 – Final reflections on prevention, partnerships and the future of EMS 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.

In this final episode of our Coaching Men series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Al Kennedy, a coach who works exclusively with men navigating midlife. Al's own path from graphic designer and business owner to full-time coach grew out of his personal midlife questioning, and it's given him a grounded, deeply caring approach to holding space for other men. He talks about midlife not as a crisis to be fixed, but as a genuine threshold: a rite of passage that Western culture rarely marks or supports, even though many other cultures have rituals for exactly this kind of transition.   Al shares how he creates the safe, intentional spaces men so rarely get: three-day walking pilgrimages he calls "Long Walks," regular men's circles, and creative practices like journaling and poetry. Nature isn't just scenery for him — it's an active part of the work, slowing men down, reconnecting them to their bodies, and mirroring the internal shifts they're going through. He's also thoughtful about accessibility, adapting his methods for online coaching and for men with disabilities or health concerns, so the work stays open to more people, not fewer.   What comes through most in this conversation is Al's warmth toward the men he works with. He pushes back gently on the idea that men are naturally closed off, describing emotional armour as often "just a couple of millimetres deep" — meaning that with the right conditions, openness comes surprisingly fast. It's a fitting, hopeful note to end the series on: a reminder that community, care, and simply being asked "how are you, really?" can be quietly transformative.   You will learn: ·       Midlife is a threshold, a rite of passage — approached with intention, it can lead to real renewal rather than just crisis. ·       Safe, intentional spaces give men rare permission to slow down and explore without needing to "fix" anything. ·       Men's emotional armour is often thin and nature, genuine connection and deep listening can unlock vulnerability faster than we assume.   "It's too easy just to say that men aren't showing up in the right way; we have to provide different types of spaces for men to be able to surface the things that they're really holding down."   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-nature-pilgramage-masculinity-midlife

In episode 5 of our Coaching Men series, host Rob Lawrence talks to Cassandra Andrews, author of Unlearning Masculinity: Redefining Success for High Achieving Men over 40, to explore why so many successful men—CEOs, founders, and elite athletes among them—feel trapped even after ticking every box of conventional success. Cassandra unpacks the identity crises, purpose gaps, and feelings of entrapment that often surface in midlife, tracing them back to an outdated masculine blueprint that prizes stoicism and winning over vulnerability. Rather than rejecting masculinity altogether, she makes the case for relearning what it means to be a man beyond those rigid rules. Her work starts with a vision, rather than goals: a more personal picture of where a client actually wants to be, rather that what they feel expected to chase.   The conversation turns to Cassandra's coaching methodology, which draws on NLP, timeline therapy, and motivational mapping to help clients build self-awareness and understand how their motivations have shifted from external validation to internal fulfilment. She also shares the thinking behind her intimate group dinners—safe spaces that give high-achieving men permission to open up honestly with peers, often for the first time. Rob and Cassandra close on what she sees as the real prize of this work: not more success, but emotional freedom, autonomy, and choice.   You will learn: ·       Winning isn't the same as fulfilment: many high-achieving men over 40 are feeling trapped despite external success. ·       Self-awareness, including understanding shifting motivations is key to creating the life a client really wants, rather than what he thinks he should want.   ·       How Cassandra's work helps men find emotional freedom, autonomy and choice.     "When a woman tells a coach, "I've never told anyone this before," she means apart from her mother, her sister, her best friend. When a man says it, those words have never left his lips."   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-unlearning-masculinity-high-achievers

In episode 5 of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Sam Adams, a coach specialising in healthy masculinity. Drawing from his background in regenerative farming and chaplaincy across Africa, Sam explains how masculinity and femininity exist as complementary energies within everyone. He discusses the shame and confusion many men face today, often rooted in unspoken social expectations, and the reason why so many struggle to ask for help or express what they truly feel. Central to Sam's philosophy is a single powerful word: permission. He invites men to give themselves permission to feel, to rest, to be uncertain, and to step away from the silent shame to have everything figured out. Sam also draws on the natural world to guide this inner work, using the rhythm of the seasons as a metaphor for life:  summer as a time for action and growth, winter as a time for reflection and renewal. His coaching weaves together nature, spirituality, and emotional courage to offer a genuinely holistic path forward. Sam reframes the idea of strength, by sharing the root meaning of the word 'courage' is 'heart;' Sam reframes that true strength lies not in fearlessness, but in the willingness to be open and vulnerable. It's a reframe that sits at the heart of everything he does. He also discusses the relevance of spirituality in men's lives and its connection to masculinity and shares strategies for achieving balance and setting boundaries in life. Listen and enjoy this warm, honest conversation.       You will learn ·       Giving yourself permission to feel, rest, and be uncertain is often the first and most powerful step toward growth. ·       Nature's rhythms offer a roadmap to a life of both action and ambition, and stillness and reflection.   ·       True strength lies not in fearlessness but in the willingness to be vulnerable and open.   'The emphasis is on liberating yourself by connecting with your own freedom and the masculinity and the femininity within.'   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-liberating-masculinity-spirituality

Remediation is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of learners and educators alike — but does it have to? Hear from Drs. Ryan Batenhorst and Heather Davis, two veteran EMS educators, as they unpack what remediation really means and how programs can approach it with more compassion and less stigma. Hosts Hilary Gates and Ginger Locke dive into Ryan's research on paramedic students' post-traumatic stress symptoms and how it reshaped his understanding of clinical rotation stress. Heather asks us to consider the striking etymology of the word "remediation," reframing the concept as taking appropriate measure rather than assigning blame. Together they explore how to tell the difference between a learner issue, a preceptor issue, and an environmental issue — and why proactive, preventative support leads to better outcomes. A must-listen for anyone who wants their program's rigor to build learners up, not tear them down.Rob Lawrence provides the "Rob Recap."Mentioned in the episode:"What Happened to You?" https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-happened-to-you-conversations-on-trauma-resilience-and-healing-bruce-d-perry/13381a9ac2577776?ean=9781250223180&source=aw&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=1264447&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=1264447&utm_term=0&sscid=92005_1783098987_ddf9c57510e5df2ddb9fa6a17f833906&awc=92005_1783098987_ddf9c57510e5df2ddb9fa6a17f833906Ryan Batenhorst Publications: https://www.creighton.edu/campus-directory/ryan-batenhorstThe EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!  https://www.prodigyems.com/bounty-programGet your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

This week on the EMS One-Stop podcast, Rob Lawrence sits down with emergency management and large-scale exercise expert Mike Marsh to explore what really goes into preparing agencies, communities and public safety partners for major events. With the FIFA World Cup underway, America 250 upon us, and countless local events happening every weekend, the conversation focuses on the practical realities of planning, exercising and pressure-testing emergency response systems before the big day arrives. | MORE: Training hard and fighting easy. Creating an effective tabletop training exercise for pre-planning MCI response Drawing on decades of EMS leadership experience and his current work through Marsh EMS Consulting, Mike shares how agencies can move beyond "grant compliance exercises" and build meaningful operational readiness. From tabletop exercises and ROC drills, to stakeholder coordination, communication failures and after-action reviews, Mike provides a masterclass in how to build resilient systems from the operator up. His central premise is simple: exercises should be designed to break the system in a safe environment so weaknesses can be identified and corrected before a real incident occurs. Whether you're preparing for a World Cup match, a county fair, or simply reviewing your MCI plans, this episode offers practical lessons for agencies of every size. Notable quotes "Our team is hired to break your system and rebuild it together." — Mike Marsh "The scene will be bigger than they are. And it is OK to ask for help." — Mike Marsh "We don't walk in and say, 'You don't understand ICS.' Actually, you do understand ICS, you just don't know that you're using it." — Mike Marsh "Identifying and learning are two different activities; and they have to be cemented in." — Rob Lawrence "Trust your people, know that you can't do it all, get a team together, train them, drill them, pressure them." — Mike Marsh "Prior preparation and planning prevents pathetic performance." — Rob Lawrence | MORE: 5 lessons for special events standby services and emergency response Episode timeline 00:00 – Introduction and why major events require planning, exercises and preparation 02:25 – Mike's journey from California EMS leadership to emergency management consulting in Texas 04:53 – The biggest misconceptions about exercises and tabletop planning 06:30 – What frontline EMTs and supervisors need to know when the incident is bigger than they are 08:07 – The first questions Mike asks when planning a major event 10:13 – Communication, stakeholder engagement and identifying operational gaps 12:16 – Translating ICS and NIMS concepts into practical operational language 17:08 – Planning a county fair exercise: where to start and why capability gaps matter 19:46 – Who should be at the planning table and why executive participation matters 21:23 – The role of public works, politicians, emergency managers and public information officers 22:29 – The best and worst exercises Mike has ever experienced 25:29 – How to challenge leaders who believe their plans don't need testing 28:01 – Exercise planning for small and rural systems with limited resources 30:22 – After-action reviews and turning lessons identified into lessons learned 32:11 – Advice for agencies that have never exercised their plans before 33:54 – Mike's biggest leadership lesson from a career in EMS and emergency management Rate and review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Email editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

In episode 4 of our Coaching Men series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Jess Spiers, a coach who specialises in supporting men in their 40s and 50s who appear successful but feel trapped, unfulfilled, or burned out. Jess shares how a 20-year career in digital content ultimately led her to coaching and why she made men's mental health her focus. It's a candid conversation about a quiet struggle that many men are navigating alone.   Jess discusses the emotional barriers that so often stop men from seeking support, and how coaching creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their values, challenge limiting beliefs, and begin to understand their emotions without judgement. As a trained Emotions Coaching Practitioner, Jess makes a compelling case that working with your emotions isn't soft or fluffy — it's one of the most practical tools available for gaining clarity and moving forward.   Jess shares some of the tools she uses, with real life examples that demonstrate their success. The episode closes with an important reframe feeling stuck doesn't always require a dramatic life overhaul. Often, the most meaningful change comes from small, intentional shifts that bring your work and life back into alignment with what truly matters to you. Jess also shares details about her new podcast, Successful on Paper, and leaves listeners with a simple but powerful reminder to be kinder to yourself when seeking help.   You will learn:   ·       What emotions prevent men from asking for help ·       The power of emotional awareness for transformation and change ·       Change doesn't have to mean starting over. Small, intentional adjustments that realign your life with your core values can be far more transformative than a dramatic leap into the unknown.   'Men find it quite difficult to reach out and ask for help, so I thought, "You know what? If they're going to do that, that support needs to exist, and I want to be a part of that.'   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-emotions-values-mental-health

A decade ago, public safety agencies interested in drones were largely figuring things out on their own. The technology was limited, policies were still being developed and few departments had experience to draw from. Today, thousands of public safety agencies operate drone programs and Drone as First Responder deployments are growing at an unprecedented pace. As agencies move beyond tactical drone operations toward proactive, 911-driven response models, early adopters have identified critical lessons on community trust, officer safety, staffing efficiency and program implementation.   In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, guest host Rob Lawrence sits down with Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS and one of the leading voices in public safety drone operations, to discuss how DFR programs are transforming policing and emergency response. Drawing on decades of public safety experience, Werner shares what agencies need to know about building community trust, improving officer safety and preparing for the next generation of public safety aviation. About our sponsor Flock works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you're looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock's “Real Time Policing” podcast. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.

This is no ordinary episode! This week we hit a remarkable milestone: 300 consecutive weekly episodes without missing a single Monday and to celebrate, the podcast team, Maxine Bell, Smaranda Dochia and Rob Lawrence look back on six extraordinary years of the Association for Coaching podcast. Together they reflect on a journey that has brought together 295 guests, 26 guest hosts, and 33 coaching topics, such as health and wellbeing; marketing; mental health; technology and innovation; creativity; leadership; neurodiversity in the workplace; climate coaching; love; coaching outdoors and getting started as a coach. What began as a show dedicated to the coaching profession has grown into something far greater: a thriving global community where connections, collaborations, and even five international conferences have been sparked by the conversations hosted here.   As one listener put it: "I honestly think the podcasts from the Association for Coaching are some of the best quality and content I have ever come across. The range of topics you offer is huge and so relevant to my coaching practice." That spirit of breadth, quality, relevance and genuine usefulness is exactly what this episode celebrates. We have always believed that coaches deserve a space to feel less alone in their practice, a place that champions professionalism, ethics, reflection and growth but also recognises the everyday lives and practice of coaches across the world.   And now, to honour everything the podcast has become, comes an exciting new chapter. From this episode, the show officially rebrands as Coaching Voices: The Association for Coaching Podcast. This new name better reflects its inclusive, diverse, and global reach, and the many coaches it has helped find their own authentic voice within the profession. With new hosts, new topics, and the ever evolving coaching landscape ahead, including AI, systemic change, and much more, the team is as committed as ever to meaningful conversations. New episodes drop every Monday on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. We look forward to the next 300!   You will learn:   ·       How six years of consistent, weekly conversations have shaped and strengthened the global coaching community. ·       Why platforming diverse voices — across backgrounds, topics, and experiences — lies at the heart of everything the podcast stands for. ·       What's next for Coaching Voices, and how you can be part of the next 300 episodes, as a guest or host.   "What I find particularly meaningful about this podcast is that it's never been just one voice or one perspective; it's always been a platform for many voices across the coaching profession."   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-special-episodes-300-coaching-voices  

At a time when EMS reimbursement faces unprecedented scrutiny and pressure, Shawn Baird joins the EMS One-Stop podcast to explain what is happening in Washington, D.C., why it matters to every ambulance service in America and what EMS leaders can do about it. | MORE: When the spreadsheet meets the siren: How CMS's Proposed GEMT Rule could reshape EMS funding A former Paramedic, ambulance service owner, CEO, American Ambulance Association resident, and now Vice President of Government Affairs for the AAA, Baird brings a unique perspective that spans frontline care, operations and national advocacy. In this episode, Rob Lawrence and Baird unpack the growing threats to Medicare and Medicaid funding, discuss the proposed changes to Medicaid supplemental payment programs, and explore the work of the National EMS Payment Reform Committee. The conversation also previews the AAA Legislative Fly-In, and highlights efforts to secure EMS workforce funding, streamline military medic transitions into civilian EMS and advance federal fuel tax relief. Most importantly, Baird delivers a clear message: EMS professionals must tell their story, engage with elected officials and advocate for the future of mobile healthcare. This episode serves as both an explainer and a call to action. As federal policymakers debate Medicaid funding, EMS reimbursement, workforce development and healthcare spending, Baird makes the case that every EMS professional has a role to play. Whether through legislative fly-ins, ride-alongs, town halls or simply telling the EMS story, advocacy is no longer optional. It is essential to preserving access to emergency medical care in communities across America. Notable quotes "We're hoping to make some proposals for real long-term reform on Medicare that will shore up the EMS system, not just to survive day to day, but really to thrive." — Shawn Baird "We are more than just a ride. We are mobile healthcare." — Rob Lawrence "We really have not been able to find a lot of data to support a bunch of waste, fraud and abuse in the EMS system. What there is, is a lot of misunderstanding." — Shawn Baird "If we don't get paid ourselves, how can we pay other people? How can we then afford to deliver excellent healthcare to our patients?" — Rob Lawrence "First of all, talk about the patient because the patient is the most important part of this whole discussion; second of all, talk about the medical care you provide because that's what the patient needs." — Shawn Baird "We're the safety net. We're access to critical emergency care in many communities that don't have other healthcare." — Shawn Baird "Probably the most important thing that folks listening to your show can do is attend a town hall and raise your hand and say, 'I'm just worried about our ambulance service.'" — Shawn Baird "We have the greatest story of all to tell." — Shawn Baird Additional resources AAA Advocacy Call to Action – Contact your member of Congress here 2026 Ambulance Ride-Along Toolkit Episode timeline 01:00 – Rob introduces the episode and outlines the challenges facing EMS reimbursement and federal healthcare funding. 02:07 – Shawn Baird's EMS Journey — from paramedic intern at Grady Hospital to rural EMS operator, company owner, AAA president and government affairs leader. 03:00 – Why healthcare reimbursement decisions are increasingly shifting from Washington to state legislatures. 06:45 – The National EMS Payment Reform Committee and the search for long-term solutions to EMS financing. 09:13 – Medicaid, waste, fraud and abuse — understanding misconceptions about EMS reimbursement and why ambulance services are being caught in broader healthcare debates. 11:33 – EMS is more than transportation — reframing EMS as healthcare first, transportation second. 13:20 – The threat to Medicaid supplemental funding — provider taxes, GEMT programs and proposed federal changes that could impact ambulance services nationwide. 15:15 – Proposed CMS rule changes — why EMS leaders are concerned about being included in Medicaid funding reductions. 17:40 - How national EMS organizations are coordinating efforts to speak with one voice. 20:08 – The AAA Legislative Fly-In — what it is, how it works and why provider participation matters. 21:45 – Federal legislative priorities — EMS workforce development funding, military medic-to-civilian certification pathways and federal fuel tax relief for ambulance services. 26:50 – How EMS providers can engage when legislation is moving. 27:40 – The importance of local advocacy — town halls, community events and direct engagement with elected officials. 29:30 – Ride-alongs as an advocacy tool — why seeing EMS firsthand changes policymakers' perspectives. 32:00 – Final thoughts — politics is ultimately about relationships, storytelling and helping decision-makers understand EMS. Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback.

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Rob Lawrence, Technology Strategist at Microsoft, to separate the reality of agentic AI from the growing hype surrounding autonomous systems. As organizations race to experiment with AI agents, Rob argues that the biggest challenges aren't the models themselves—they're the operating environments, governance frameworks, data quality, accountability structures, and organizational readiness required to deploy them successfully. Pete and Rob discuss why many AI pilots succeed while production deployments struggle, the return of disciplines like project portfolio management and process engineering, and why data governance may be the most important prerequisite for successful AI adoption. Rob also talks about the role of identity and permissions, the risks of poorly governed agents acting on flawed data, and why organizations need better observability into AI-driven workflows. Along the way, he shares advice for CIOs, CTOs, and broadband operators looking to move beyond experimentation and build a responsible foundation for agentic AI.

In episode 3 of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence speaks with Jamie Robins, a coach specialising in supporting men through some of life's most challenging transitions. Jamie shares his personal journey into men's coaching and how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to create Safe Harbour - an online sharing space designed to give men a place to open up without fear of judgment. He unpacks why so many men struggle to ask for help in the first place, exploring the deep-rooted social conditioning that teaches men to suppress emotion and "just get on with it."   Jamie dives into the specific fears men face around vulnerability: from the fear of appearing weak, feeling unsafe to open up, lacking permission, to anxiety that decades of bottled-up emotion might come flooding out all at once. He explains how structured men's sharing circles, like Safe Harbour and Andy's Man Club, work to dismantle these fears through simple but powerful ground rules: no advice-giving, strict confidentiality, and ensuring every man gets a chance to speak. Jamie also teaches men to listen on all three levels: head, heart and presence – a way of holding space for others that is transformative.   Jamie shares how he is reaching men through social media and from requests there, he started his Thrive nature walks, monthly group experiences where men gather outdoors, with periods of talking, walking in silence, and answering reflective questions. His description of the effects of these walks is moving and hopeful. Throughout, Jamie makes clear that the men he works with typically in their 30s to 60s aren't lacking strength; they're lacking safe spaces to be and discover who they are beyond their roles. His work is a timely reminder that community, connection, and permission to be human are just as vital for men as for anyone. ou will learn:  ·       Men are far more willing to open up when they feel safe and know there's no risk of being judged, advised, or 'fixed.' ·       Many men have inherited generational patterns of emotional suppression, and unlearning them requires community, permission and modelled behaviour from other men. ·       Nature and ritual have a role to play. Structured outdoor experiences, like Jamie's Thrive walks, offer men a non-threatening entry point into emotional reflection and genuine connection with others.     "On the outside, everything looks fantastic. On the inside, totally lonely and alone, isolating themselves emotionally"'   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-midlife-community-groups

What happens when the stars of the television series that introduced America to paramedicine decide it's time to tell the real story? In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by EMS pioneer Dr. Baxter Larmon and award-winning filmmaker Tom Putnam to discuss Into the Unknown: The Paramedics' Journey. | MORE: ‘Emergency!' stars launch Kickstarter campaign to expand reach of paramedic documentary, “Into the Unknown,” backed by Steve Buscemi, Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe Born from the vision of Emergency! stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe, and backed by Steve Buscemi, the documentary follows paramedics, dispatchers, volunteers, flight crews and their families across America, revealing the realities of modern EMS. From Baton Rouge to Sparks, from volunteer rescue squads in Virginia, to helicopter rescue teams in California, the film explores not only what paramedics do, but what the job does to them. The conversation examines workforce shortages, mental health, resilience, public misunderstanding of EMS, and the role the film could play in educating communities, policymakers and future generations. The episode also explores the documentary's Kickstarter campaign and plans for worldwide release. If Emergency! introduced America to paramedics 50 years ago, Into the Unknown seeks to explain the people behind the uniform. Notable quotes "One of the things that I'm probably most proud about in the movie is that these first responders are now allowing their family members and their friends to be able to see what they go through every single day." — Dr. Baxter Larmon "The call volume, I mean, they used to sit in the station, they'd joke in the station, they'd eat, they'd have dinner, they'd complete their whole dinner and they would never get a call. That just doesn't happen anymore." — Dr. Baxter Larmon "Our fourth goal is to get recognition by governmental agencies to understand what EMS is, to be able to recognize its importance in the community, but more importantly, to fund it appropriately as well." — Dr. Baxter Larmon "I honestly had no idea what I was getting into with this and how intense the personal interactions were gonna be." — Tom Putnam "By the time that particular run was over, I just think I was wide-eyed and said, wow, we're making a war movie." — Tom Putnam "For the right person, this is the best job in the world." — Tom Putnam Episode timeline 00:00 – Trailer and opening montage 01:41 – Rob introduces the episode and guests 03:18 – The origin story of Into the Unknown 05:13 – The lasting impact of Emergency! on EMS and what story the documentary is trying to tell 08:32 – Tom explains why he said “yes” immediately 10:52 – The first EMS call filmed and realizing the scale of the project 12:15 – Locations featured in the documentary 16:22 – How EMS has changed since Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto 17:54 – Stories that surprised Tom most 20:15 – The emotional burden of the profession 22:40 – Calls Tom "can't unsee" 24:00 – EMS as the safety net for society 25:07 – Burnout, resilience and humanity 27:30 – Why families need to see this film 28:06 – Why the project launched a Kickstarter campaign, funding goals and distribution plans 33:30 – Using the film as an EMS advocacy tool 35:43 – Lightning round 38:03 – Why EMS might be the best job in the world 39:05 – Dr. Richard Carmona's role in the film 40:16 – Final thoughts and call to action Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring enormous public safety demands to cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico — including places that are not hosting matches. For Dallas, the challenge is especially complex: While games will be played in nearby Arlington, the city will serve as home to FIFA's International Broadcast Centre and host major fan events expected to draw international crowds. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, guest host Rob Lawrence talks with Lt. Mark Rickerman of the Dallas Police Department about how the agency is preparing for the 2026 World Cup and what other departments can learn from the process. Rickerman discusses the challenges of coordinating across law enforcement, fire, transit, private security, event organizers, local government and federal partners, as well as the importance of building plans that can change quickly once the event begins. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Panasonic. Built to withstand the harshest environments, TOUGHBOOK rugged police laptops and tablets are the ultimate police technology equipment. From police car laptops and police car computers to versatile police tablets, these solutions ensure uninterrupted access to mission-critical data. With advanced features like high-performance processors, long battery life, and secure connectivity, TOUGHBOOK empowers officers and deputies to leverage police tech and new police technology for faster response times, informed decision-making, and improved operational efficiency. When reliability matters most, TOUGHBOOK is the trusted choice for police computers and police technology that keeps law enforcement ready for anything. For more information, visit https://connect.na.panasonic.com/public-safety.

Have you ever felt the weight of being the "strong one" — the person everyone else leans on, while you quietly wonder who you can lean on?   In episode 2 of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Vicky Kelly, a coach who has spent over 15 years specialising in working with men. Vicky shares how, after launching her coaching business in 2009, she found herself naturally drawn to male clients and discovered a profound gap in the support available to them. Her insights into why men often delay seeking help, and what happens when they finally do, are both eye-opening and deeply human.   Vicky works primarily with high-performing professionals and CEOs, who from the outside, appear to have it all together. But beneath the success, many are running on empty, held back by invisible pressures: societal expectations around strength and vulnerability, stress responses that hijack their best thinking, and long-held stories about who they are and what they deserve. Vicky explains her approach of building genuine psychological safety, regulating the nervous system, and gently but powerfully challenging the narratives that keep her clients stuck.   The conversation also ventures beyond the boardroom. What happens when you've climbed the ladder and find yourself asking, "Is this it?" Vicky shares how she helps clients reconnect with forgotten passions and rediscover who they are outside of their professional identity. She also introduces her upcoming group programme, The Capacity Project, designed to help high performers sustain their success without burning out.   You will learn:   ·       The Safe Space Paradox - Men are often slower to seek coaching but once they commit, they go all in. ·       How your nervous system is running the show. Vicky's work with high performers isn't just about strategy; it's about helping men to learn to regulate themselves, so they can actually access the best of their thinking. ·       Questioning the Stories We Tell Ourselves Vicki offers a deceptively simple but powerful question to start dismantling them: "What am I believing here that might not be 100% true?"      "So, it's multiple different demands and a lack of resources: how do I carry myself through all of this without dropping the plates that are spinning or without just sort of spontaneously combusting?"   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-safe-space-high-performing-leaders

What is required from both instructors and students to teach and learn clinical judgment? Our EMS profession is a place where right answers are not always cut and dry and grace might be the most important skill in the room.  In this episode, guest Jeff Anderson, Paramedic Program Director at Bossier Parish Community College joins hosts Maia Dorsett, Hilary Gates and Ginger Locke for an honest, humbling conversation about what it really takes to teach clinical judgment. They dig into the gap between what students hear in the classroom and what they absorb in the field, why preceptors and educators can be in tension and how educators can struggle with ego and reactivity. They share real stories from their programs, talk through how they handle their own emotional reactions, and offer practical advice for educators trying to make peace with a profession that doesn't fit neatly into a protocol.  Whether you're a program director, a preceptor, or someone still figuring out how to teach the grey, this one's for you.Rob Lawrence provides the "Rob Recap."Mentioned in the episode:Daniel Kahneman, "Thinking Fast and Slow": https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555Pat Croskerry, Clinical Decision Making: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1303712The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!  https://www.prodigyems.com/bounty-programGet your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

In Episode 4 of the EMS One-Stop Blood on Board Series, host Rob Lawrence brings together two powerful perspectives on prehospital blood transfusion. First, retired Army trauma nurse and national blood advocate Randi Schaefer discusses the work of the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition and the ongoing effort to remove barriers to blood product availability across the United States. Drawing on lessons learned from military deployments and civilian implementation efforts, Schaefer explains why successful blood programs require collaboration among EMS agencies, hospitals, blood banks, legislators and funding partners. She emphasizes that while every system is different, the goal remains the same: getting lifesaving blood to patients before they reach the hospital. The second half of the episode focuses on the story behind the statistics. Dr. Kate Krause, an emergency physician from Dallas, recounts her near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage just weeks after giving birth to her daughter. After she lost more than two liters of blood at home, Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics recognized the severity of her condition and secured authorization to administer prehospital blood. That decision, combined with rapid transport and seamless hospital coordination, helped save her life. Today, fully recovered and back to practicing medicine, Dr. Krause has become a compelling advocate for prehospital blood programs, reminding policymakers and EMS leaders that behind every protocol, funding request and unit of blood is a patient whose future depends on receiving the right treatment at the right time. Previous Blood on Board episodes: Blood on Board: Everything is bigger in Texas Blood on board: Lessons from Sacramento and LA County Fire Blood on Board: Federal funding paves the way for EMS blood programs Impactful quotes "I had a severe postpartum hemorrhage and had my life saved by a prehospital blood transfusion." — Dr. Kate Krause "I'm here. I have no deficits. I'm healthy. I'm back to being a physician. I'm back to being a wife and being a mother to my beautiful little baby girl." — Dr. Kate Krause "The coalition wants to make blood products available to those EMS agencies that want to carry them."  — Randi Schaefer "This is a brand-new relationship. So there's a lot of learning how each other's worlds work." — Randi Schaefer "We were not going to let people die of preventable death." — Randi Schaefer "Keep pressing forward. We will find a way to yes." — Randi Schaefer "Blood is one of those things that really makes a difference when it's given early." — Dr. Kate Krause Additional resources Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition Episode timeline 00:00 – Introduction to Episode 4 and recap of the Blood on Board series and overview of previous episodes covering local, state and national blood initiatives. 02:18 – Introduction of Randi Schaefer and Dr. Kate Krause. Schaefer discusses military deployments and early blood program experiences, while Dr. Krause outlines her journey from lifeguard, to EMT, to emergency physician. 05:05 – Origins and mission of the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition, military lessons learned, funding challenges, sustainability concerns, the importance of legislative support and reimbursement 13:57 – Dr. Krause recounts her postpartum hemorrhage. 19:03 – Discussion of non-trauma indications for prehospital blood and the importance of medic judgment and protocol flexibility 20:22 – Dr. Krause discusses recovery and advocacy efforts, and Dallas City Council appearance and public awareness activities. 24:24 – Dr. Krause delivers a concise advocacy message supporting blood programs nationwide. 25:01 – Schaefer reflects on meeting blood recipients and the impact of seeing survivorship firsthand. 27:47 – Closing remarks from Dr. Krause and Schaefer 29:03 – Lawrence wraps up the four-part Blood on Board series and reinforces the need for continued advocacy and funding. This episode is sponsored by Triad of Life. After traumatic injury, patients may enter the “Triad of Death” — a dangerous cycle of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy that can rapidly lead to fatal outcomes without timely intervention. That's why Delta Development Team partners with Qinflow and Lifeflow to combat these life-threatening conditions with the Triad of Life. Learn how your team can put the Triad of Life into practice. Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

What does it take for a high-achieving man to stop, admit he's struggling, and ask for help? In this first episode of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence speaks with Will Johnson, a facilitator and coach who guides men to live and lead with greater authenticity and peace within and about themselves. Will draws on his own experience of burnout in a senior finance role, where he suddenly ran out of energy, but through asking for help, he attended a retreat with the Centre for Courage and Renewal, which awakened a part of himself he had lost and became the start of a transformational journey that called him to a new adventure.   Will went on to train as a facilitator with the Centre for Courage & Renewal, and he now runs Circle of Trust® retreats where men are invited to slow down, listen inward, and share their stories without pressure to perform or fix. Working mythopoetically, he uses poetry, mythology, and imagery to help men bypass intellectual defences and reach something deeper. These spaces work, Will explains, because they remove the masculine reflex to solve and compete, creating room for genuine presence and self-awareness instead.   At the heart of Will's philosophy is a distinction between the ego story — the CV, the achievements, the ladder climbed — and the soul story, which lives in struggle, failure, and the moments that have truly shape us, and connect us each to our own unique 'thread.' He believes men carry more wisdom than they give themselves credit for, but that it often takes community to help them trust their own inner voice and become comfortable with difficult emotions. He explains why he no longer uses the term toxic masculinity, instead embracing the term 'shifting the masculine mind.' His message is both challenging and compassionate: acknowledging our limits, embracing vulnerability, and going public with our authentic selves is not weakness:  it is where real growth begins.   You will learn:   ·       Burnout is a beginning, not just an ending. Giving yourself permission to ask for help is the first, but best step 1.      Embracing difficult feelings, including failures, and tuning into their inner voice is where men can find their soul story and live more authentically. 2.      Community matters.  The isolation many men experience is one of the biggest barriers to their development so joining safe, structured group spaces is where the real work happens, and where men learn to trust themselves again.         'Now write your soul story. That's the story I want to hear. Tell me about your struggle. Tell me about when you messed up. Tell me when you've disappointed somebody.'   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-myth-poetry-group-work

What if the traits that make someone great at EMS are the same ones that make traditional classrooms feel challenging? In this episode, hosts Rob Lawrence, Hilary Gates, and Maia Dorsett sit down with Nicole Hansen, EdD, EMT-P, Long Island EMS Division Manager for NYU Langone to explore two of her recent publications. Nicole shares findings from her dissertation on mental preparedness in EMS, including why current curricula fall short and how the "wounded healer" theory might shape who enters EMS. The conversation then shifts to her latest research on ADHD prevalence among EMS clinicians. They discuss how neurodiverse learners are often misread as underperformers, the link between ADHD and PTSD risk, and — crucially — what EMS educators can do right now to redesign their classrooms to support every kind of brain. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute."Mentioned in the episode:Self-Reported ADHD in a Convenience Sample of EMS Clinicians: https://internationaljournalofparamedicine.com/index.php/ijop/article/view/3601/3399Perceptions of Mental Preparedness in EMS Students: https://scholarworks.ace.edu/items/88b8a3d3-f12e-466f-b048-d9d62bb7a5e2How Learning Works: https://www.amazon.com/How-Learning-Works-Research-Based-Principles/dp/1119861691Prehospital Care Research Forum (PCRF): https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/pcrfGoogle Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

The EMS One-Stop Blood on Board series moves to the federal level in Episode 3, exploring how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program is opening new funding pathways for prehospital blood programs. Host Rob Lawrence is joined by three leaders directly involved in building regional blood capability through federal funding. Julie Stilley, PhD, is an EMS researcher at the University of Missouri, whose team secured a $4.6 million SS4A demonstration grant focused on advanced post-crash care, including prehospital blood administration. Jason White represents the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City, a multi-jurisdictional regional planning organization coordinating EMS, trauma systems, hospitals and transportation partners around a regional whole blood strategy. Mark Heath is chief of EMS for the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department and one of the operational leaders preparing to launch whole blood in the field as part of the Kansas City regional effort. Rather than focusing solely on clinical practice, this episode examines the realities of applying for, winning and administering federal grant funding. The guests discuss building regional coalitions, engaging blood banks, developing standardized protocols, navigating compliance requirements and preparing operational rollouts. From Missouri's $4.6 million demonstration grant, to Kansas City's regional planning initiative, this episode provides a practical roadmap for EMS leaders looking to transform roadway safety funding into lifesaving trauma care capability. Watch episode 1: Blood on Board: Lessons from Sacramento and LA County Fire Watch episode 2: Blood on Board: Everything is bigger in Texas Impactful quotes “Don't be afraid of applying for a big, scary federal grant.” — Mark Heath “EMS is the perfect partner to try to understand how to address the post-crash care component of a safety action plan.” — Julie Stilley “If you're going to do it as a region, you've got to hang together.” — Jason White “The data points on the backside will set you free.” — Mark Heath “If my blood is closer to the next address over, just because there's a river in the way doesn't mean we can't get across the bridge.” — Mark Heath “What started initially as an absolute ‘no' became, ‘Wait, let me listen to you some more.'” — Julie Stilley “The juice is worth the squeeze.” — Rob Lawrence “Firefighters and EMS are cowboys, and blood banks are accountants.” — Mark Heath “Cowboys do marry accountants.” — Jason White “Run, don't walk, to your local blood bank.” — Mark Heath “It's your blood in your community and going into you on your ambulances.” — Mark Heath “We're moving toward reducing mortality and reducing long-term injury.” — Julie Stilley Additional resources Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation NHTSA's Office of Emergency Medical Services | EMS.gov Accessing the Safe Streets and Roads for All EMS grant program Researchers receive $4.6 million to pilot advanced EMS response program Episode timeline 00:00 – “Free money is free money”. Chief Mark Heath opens with encouragement for agencies considering federal grant applications and urges smaller communities not to be intimidated by the process. 00:44 – Introduction to Episode 3. Rob Lawrence recaps Episodes 1 and 2 of the Blood on Board series before introducing the SS4A grant focus and the featured guests. 02:07 – Meet the guests. Julie Stilley introduces her role at the University of Missouri and reveals her project's $4.6 million award. Jason White and Mark Heath outline the Kansas City regional collaboration. 04:19 – Why apply for SS4A? Julie Stilley explains how frustration around operational barriers to blood implementation motivated her grant application. 05:38 – Understanding demonstration grants. Discussion on the difference between planning and demonstration grants, and how post-crash care fits into regional traffic safety action plans. 06:51 – Building regional coalitions. Jason White discusses Kansas City's existing regional EMS partnerships and how those relationships became the foundation for the grant application. 10:30 – Regional protocols and data. Mark Heath explains how Kansas City agencies standardized protocols, agreed on shared data points and committed to a coordinated regional approach. 13:04 – Pulling together the application. Julie Stilley outlines the process of bringing together planners, EMS leaders, trauma centers and blood banks to support the grant proposal. 15:02 – Equipment, compliance and logistics. Discussion shifts to blood warmers, storage systems, chain-of-custody monitoring and the operational realities of safely carrying blood products in the field. 18:25 – Planning grants and future implementation. Jason White explains how the Kansas City effort uses a planning grant to build toward larger implementation funding opportunities. 23:22 – Busting myths about blood. Mark Heath describes how data and national experience changed his thinking about whether whole blood matters in urban EMS systems with short transport times. 27:19 – The reality of grant administration. Julie Stilley and Jason White explain federal reimbursement structures, compliance requirements and why strong administrative partners are essential. 31:37 – Sustainability and reimbursement. Discussion on long-term funding, legislative advocacy and the need for reimbursement models for prehospital blood administration. 33:43 – Final lessons learned. The guests share advice on partnerships, blood bank relationships, data collection and not being afraid of “big scary federal grants.” 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. About the sponsor After traumatic injury, patients may enter the “Triad of Death” — a dangerous cycle of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy that can rapidly lead to fatal outcomes without timely intervention. That's why Delta Development Team partners with Qinflow and Lifeflow to combat these life-threatening conditions with the Triad of Life. To learn how your team can put the Triad of Life into practice visit the link to get started.

Texas is taking prehospital whole blood to scale. In this second installment of the Blood on Board series, the conversation moves from pioneering local programs to a statewide initiative backed by legislation, trauma system collaboration and a $10 million investment in EMS blood capability. Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Dr. Jeff Jarvis, chief medical officer and system medical director, Fort Worth Office of the Medical Director; Dr. C.J. Winckler, deputy medical director for the San Antonio Fire Department; and Jorie Klein, director of EMS-Trauma Systems Section, Texas Department of State Health Services. From San Antonio's early adoption to Fort Worth's operational maturity and the Texas Department of State Health Services' statewide rollout, this episode examines how Texas built one of the most ambitious prehospital blood programs in the country. The discussion goes beyond clinical theory. The guests tackle implementation, logistics, blood stewardship, wastage concerns, rural access, legislative strategy and the realities of getting physicians, transfusion medicine specialists, EMS leaders and lawmakers aligned around a shared mission. The episode also explores the expanding use of whole blood beyond trauma, including GI bleeds, obstetrics and surgical hemorrhage, while reinforcing the operational mantra repeated throughout the show: systems save lives. | MORE: Blood on board: Lessons from Sacramento and LA County Fire Impactful quotes “You can't quarterback it from your office. You have to be engaged and be out there with them.” — Jorie Klein “Little did I know that it would take almost every waking minute of my life to get blood on an ambulance.” — Dr. C.J. Winckler “We're not improving overall mortality yet, but we are improving mortality in the first six hours.” — Dr. C.J. Winckler “When you work together as a system, you can do amazing things.” — Dr. Jeff Jarvis “In the last 13 months, we've given 259 units to 211 patients.” — Dr. Jeff Jarvis “Our definition of wastage is anything that doesn't go into a patient.” — Dr. Jeff Jarvisv “It turns out this stuff works.” — Dr. Jeff Jarvis “It's all about communication and trust.” — Dr. C.J. Winckler “Five years ago, we knew those patients would not survive. Now we have new tools.” — Jorie Klein “My dad was saved by prehospital whole blood.” — Dr. C.J. Winckler “Talk to the clinicians who are giving this blood and ask them about the impact it's making.” — Dr. Jeff Jarvis Episode timeline 00:00 – Opening message. Jorie Klein outlines the central lesson for other states: engage frontline providers and avoid managing programs remotely. 00:40 – Introduction. Rob Lawrence introduces Episode 2 of the Blood on Board series, shifting focus from local systems to statewide implementation in Texas. 01:20 – Meet the guests. Jorie Klein, Dr. Jeff Jarvis and Dr. C.J. Winckler introduce themselves and their roles in Texas EMS and trauma care. 03:22 – The San Antonio origin story Dr. Winckler explains how military medicine, trauma surgeons and Texas delegated medical practice helped launch San Antonio's whole blood program. 06:04 – Building the first protocols. Dr. Winckler discusses creating guidelines from scratch, operationalizing blood administration and securing funding support from city leadership. 08:52 – Going system-wide. San Antonio launches whole blood citywide in October 2018 without a pilot project. 10:13 – Ethics and evidence. Discussion shifts to mortality data, prehospital physiology and whether balanced blood resuscitation should already be considered standard of care. 12:14 – Fort Worth follows. Dr. Jarvis explains how San Antonio's system inspired adoption in Fort Worth and highlights the importance of regional collaboration. 14:03 – Texas goes statewide. Klein explains the legislative process that resulted in a $10 million statewide prehospital whole blood initiative. 17:24 – Rural Texas and blood access. The conversation focuses on plasma options, rural hospital shortages and improving access for remote communities. 23:45 – The data discussion. Dr. Jarvis shares Fort Worth operational metrics, transfusion volumes and remarkably low wastage rates. 28:49 – Whole Blood Academy. Drs. Jarvis and Winckler discuss the National Whole Blood Academy and how Texas is teaching other EMS systems to replicate their success. 32:00 – Trust, logistics and blood stewardship. Dr. Winckler explains the importance of relationships between EMS and transfusion medicine physicians, emphasizing operational discipline and trust. 36:20 – What comes next? Dr. Klein discusses statewide reporting, future funding requests and sustaining the Texas model long term. 40:15 – Final lessons for other states. The guests close with advice on advocacy, clinician engagement and building support from the ground up. Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

EMS systems can safely deliver blood in the field, and when they do, patients who would otherwise die are surviving Whole blood in the field is no longer theoretical; it is operational, measurable and increasingly expected. In this EMS One-Stop episode, host Rob Lawrence brings together two of California's leading medical directors — Drs. Clayton Kazan and Kevin Mackey — to compare and contrast their prehospital blood programs. From concept to deployment, both systems demonstrate how data, relationships and persistence can translate innovation into lives saved. This discussion goes beyond theory. It addresses real-world barriers — regulation, blood bank skepticism, funding gaps — and pairs them with practical solutions. The result is a clear message: EMS systems can safely deliver blood in the field, and when they do, patients who would otherwise die are surviving. For agencies considering similar programs, this episode provides a roadmap grounded in experience, outcomes and operational reality. Notable quotes “When there's someone who wants to see your program, talk about your program.” — Kevin Mackey “I kind of never believed it really possible to put it on a paramedic truck until I saw what the military was able to do.” — Clayton Kazan “If the five minutes matter, why wouldn't we want to do it 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes sooner?” — Clayton Kazan “Never say ‘no,' never say ‘die.'” — Kevin Mackey “They're never tired of trying to find new ways to save people's lives.” — Clayton Kazan Episode timeline 00:00 – Opening message. “Never say ‘no,' never say ‘die'” sets the tone for program development and persistence 01:00 – Series introduction. Rob frames the episode as part of a broader national discussion on blood in EMS 02:00 – Guest introductions. Dr. Kazan and Dr. Mackey outline their EMS and medical backgrounds 03:20 – Program overviews. LA County: April 2025 launch, 11 squads, 58 transfusions; Sacramento: December 2025 launch after 15-month build 05:20 – Origins and catalysts. Influence from San Antonio and New Orleans programs; leadership support as a trigger 07:00 – Military influence. Translation of battlefield success into civilian EMS feasibility 08:50 – Building the business case. Data-driven forecasting using ePCR systems 11:00 – Overcoming resistance. Regulatory hurdles, skepticism and blood bank concerns 15:00 – Survivor stories. Real-world saves that validate the programs and influence policymakers 18:00 – Funding realities. Grant-based models, no current reimbursement, cost-benefit framed in life-years saved 21:45 – Equipment and logistics. Cold chain, monitoring systems, delivery devices and operational considerations 24:40 – Training and deployment. Targeted rollout using heat maps and trauma incidence data 27:45 – Early challenges. Blood recirculation, cold chain validation and system integration issues 31:50 – QA/QI and research. 100% case review and participation in multi-county data collaboratives 34:10 – Patient populations. Primarily trauma, with emerging medical indications 36:00 – Sustainability and scaling. Political engagement and expansion planning 38:15 – Rapid fire lessons learned. Transparency, persistence, relationships 42:50 – Myths and realities. Frontline providers embrace innovation; capability concerns disproven 44:00 – Final takeaways. Appreciation, relationships and system-wide collaboration as keys to success Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

In this special EMS One-Stop update, Rob Lawrence is joined by returning guest Dr. Alex Isakov to break down the rapidly developing Andes Hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. What began as a handful of unexplained respiratory illnesses aboard a South Atlantic voyage has evolved into an internationally monitored infectious disease event involving multiple countries, quarantine operations, public health investigations and the repatriation of exposed passengers to specialized containment facilities in the United States. | MORE: Hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship sends Americans to biocontainment quarantine units Dr. Isakov is professor of emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and executive director of the Emory Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR). He also serves as EMS lead for the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), where he helps lead national preparedness efforts for high-consequence infectious diseases. In the episode, he explains how Andes Hantavirus differs from other hantaviruses already present in North America because it is capable of person-to-person transmission in limited circumstances. The discussion covers transmission dynamics, incubation periods, PPE recommendations, public health monitoring and why experts continue to assess the overall public risk as low. Listeners are also directed toward the excellent educational resource hub on preparedness and response available through NETEC Hantavirus Resources. Episode timeline 00:00 – Introduction to the Special Edition. Rob Lawrence introduces the emergency update format and welcomes Dr. Alex Isakov to discuss the emerging Andes Hantavirus outbreak. 00:50 – Understanding hantaviruses. Dr. Isakov explains the difference between common North American hantaviruses and Andes Virus, emphasizing the rare person-to-person transmission capability. 03:13 – The cruise ship incident. Discussion of the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, including onboard transmission concerns, severe illness development and international evacuation efforts. 05:16 – U.S. monitoring and quarantine. Review of quarantine operations in Nebraska and ongoing public health monitoring of exposed American passengers. 07:21 – Incubation and EMS risk assessment. Dr. Isakov outlines the prolonged incubation period and explains why frontline EMS encounters remain unlikely. 11:17 – PPE guidance for EMS personnel. Specific PPE recommendations are reviewed, including standard, contact and airborne precautions with eye protection. 13:17 – Looking ahead to World Cup 2026. The discussion turns to international travel, mass gatherings and why clinicians must maintain awareness of rare infectious diseases tied to travel history. 14:32 – EMS and public health resources. Dr. Isakov directs listeners to CDC, WHO and NETEC resources for ongoing guidance and EMS-specific updates.

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence sits down with Tanir Ami of the CARESTAR Foundation to explore a subject that is increasingly central to the future of EMS: equity, data and system design. Born from the legacy of CalSTAR, CARESTAR has evolved into a philanthropic engine focused on improving EMS through research, convening and targeted investment. Ami brings a 25-year background in community health, grounded in service to underserved populations, and applies that experience to a sector that is only now beginning to fully interrogate disparities in care and outcomes. The conversation moves beyond theory into practical reality. From disparities in pain management and pediatric restraint use, to the challenges of fragmented EMS systems and the slow pace of statewide change, Ami outlines both what is known and what remains uncertain. The throughline is clear: data must be collected, interrogated and acted upon. CARESTAR's work sits at the intersection of research and action, funding studies, building infrastructure, and creating space for difficult but necessary conversations. For EMS leaders, the message is direct and national in scope: examine your data, stay curious and be prepared to confront what it reveals. Key quotes “The data show that there are differences not only in how people are treated, but on the back end and the outcomes that they experience.” — Tanir Ami “Particularly Black girls were four times as likely to be physically restrained as any of their counterparts.” — Tanir Ami “Stay open-minded and open-hearted about what it is, the type of conversation that we're trying to have.” — Tanir Ami “We really come at it holding the clinicians who are out working at the front lines of EMS in incredibly high regard, and also simultaneously wanting to talk about how and where and what the challenges are.” — Tanir Ami “Just collecting those numbers and sending them off … is not the end of the game.” — Rob Lawrence “We had a section of the city … almost a desert of non-911 calls and we realized that was our Latino community. We worked with them to promote the fact that we're not ICE … we want to assist you in your emergency. Through that process, we closed off that desert.” — Rob Lawrence Additional resources CARESTAR Seeding innovation and racial equity in EMS. Tanir Ami, CEO of California's CARESTAR Foundation on diversifying the prehospital care workforce and improving health outcomes Beyond policy: EMS's moral duty to deliver equitable care. “Our commitment to take care of others is not a political undertaking; it represents the greatest of social contracts in helping our fellow humans in their time of need.” Improving equity in prehospital care. Despite the best efforts of EMS providers, gaps persist – learn what goes into them and what you can do about them Rainn Wilson on ‘Code 3' and the brutal beauty of EMS life. From emotional trauma to gallows humor, Wilson reflects on his new role as a burned-out medic — and why “Code 3” is a tribute to the heart of paramedicine 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. About the sponsor This episode of the EMS One-Stop Podcast is sponsored by the 7th Annual EMS Leadership Summit. Learn from over 25 prehospital leaders from around the world sharing real-world strategies to reduce burnout, improve retention and build stronger organizations. Get your free pass at EMSLeadershipSummit.com/EMS1. Episode timeline 01:00 – Tanir Ami outlines her 25-year healthcare career and explains the transition from CARESTAR to the CARESTAR Foundation. 04:30 – Discussion of disparities in care and outcomes, and the complexity of addressing systemic inequities. 08:00 – Insights into disparities in pain management and pediatric restraint use, with examples from UC Berkeley and UCSF studies. 11:30 – Focus on building momentum, creating safe spaces for discussion and balancing research with implementation. 15:45 – Overview of CARESTAR funding priorities, including community conversations, behavioral health integration and pilot programs. 20:30 – Exploration of regulatory fragmentation and the challenges of statewide EMS coordination. 25:00 – Call for EMS leaders nationwide to interrogate their own data and remain open to findings. 30:00 – Emphasis on localized interventions and the absence of one-size-fits-all solutions. 35:00 – Tanir reinforces optimism and momentum, leaving listeners with a clear challenge: examine, understand and act on their data. About CARESTAR The CARESTAR Foundation is a California-based philanthropic organization dedicated to improving emergency medical services through research, innovation, and system-wide collaboration. Established in 2018 following the sale of the CalSTAR air ambulance program, the foundation was created to honor that legacy by advancing quality, integrity and equitable care across the EMS spectrum. Under the leadership of Tanir Ami, CARESTAR focuses on identifying and addressing disparities in prehospital care, funding research into EMS practices and outcomes, and convening stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Its work emphasizes the use of data to uncover gaps in treatment, supports community-driven solutions, and invests in initiatives that strengthen both the workforce and the systems that serve diverse populations.

What if the traits that make someone great at EMS are the same ones that make traditional classrooms feel challenging? In this episode, hosts Rob Lawrence, Hilary Gates, and Maia Dorsett sit down with Nicole Hansen, EdD, EMT-P, Long Island EMS Division Manager for NYU Langone to explore two of her recent publications. Nicole shares findings from her dissertation on mental preparedness in EMS, including why current curricula fall short and how the "wounded healer" theory might shape who enters EMS. The conversation then shifts to her latest research on ADHD prevalence among EMS clinicians. They discuss how neurodiverse learners are often misread as underperformers, the link between ADHD and PTSD risk, and — crucially — what EMS educators can do right now to redesign their classrooms to support every kind of brain.  Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Mentioned in the episode: Self-Reported ADHD in a Convenience Sample of EMS Clinicians: https://internationaljournalofparamedicine.com/index.php/ijop/article/view/3601/3399 Perceptions of Mental Preparedness in EMS Students: https://scholarworks.ace.edu/items/88b8a3d3-f12e-466f-b048-d9d62bb7a5e2 How Learning Works: https://www.amazon.com/How-Learning-Works-Research-Based-Principles/dp/1119861691 Prehospital Care Research Forum (PCRF): https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/pcrf Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/ The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence sits down with Kevin Hazzard to explore No One's Coming, a gripping account of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the extraordinary effort to rescue infected American aid workers from West Africa. |WATCH NOW: FDNY's future: AI, BWCs and pay parity with Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore  What begins as a seemingly impossible mission evolved into a high-stakes, time-critical operation led by Phoenix Air — a team known for taking on the missions no one else will. Hazzard traces the origins of this unconventional organization, from transporting explosives and nuclear materials, to pioneering aeromedical evacuation of the world's most dangerous infectious patients. The conversation moves beyond storytelling into operational reality. With no established protocols, limited knowledge of Ebola and widespread public fear, crews were forced to improvise, adapt and execute under intense pressure. The episode examines the intersection of EMS readiness, public health hesitation and leadership under uncertainty. At its core, this is a study in preparation, risk tolerance and professional duty — illustrating how a small group of individuals stepped forward when systems hesitated, reinforcing the enduring EMS principle: when the call comes, you answer. Key quotes from Kevin Hazzard “This is as scary as it gets.” “It is the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in human history.” “We've got to figure out how to transport highly contagious patients — nobody does that.” “They risked their lives. They risked their families' lives for strangers.” “Preparation is the most important thing.” “We are notoriously short-minded … we're not long-range thinkers.” “There are people out there who are willing to step into the breach when needed.” Episode timeline 00:00 – Opening context: Ebola outbreak severity and mission stakes 01:00 – Introducing Kevin Hazzard, author background 03:30 – Origins and evolution of Phoenix Air 08:00 – High-risk missions (including Libya nuclear extraction) 14:30 – Transition to EMS and infectious disease transport 16:00 – Development of the biocontainment system 20:00 – Ebola mission planning and execution challenges 27:00 – U.S. reception, EMS transport and public reaction 31:00 – Leadership lessons and EMS preparedness gaps 35:00 – Reflections on readiness, resilience and future threats Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence sits down with Dr. Maria Koeppel to explore a topic that has long existed in the shadows of EMS culture — alcohol use among providers. | MORE: First responders and alcohol – how much is too much? Drawing on NIH and FEMA supported research, Koeppel outlines how EMS clinicians may be engaging in higher-risk drinking behaviors than the general population, with patterns influenced by stress, exposure and workplace culture. What emerges is not a story of individual weakness, but one of systemic pressure — where both major traumatic incidents and the accumulation of low-acuity, high-frequency calls contribute to a steady burden of stress that many providers attempt to manage off-duty. The conversation moves beyond statistics into culture, leadership and generational change. Koeppel highlights how traditional “crew bonding” through alcohol — what one participant termed “hydraulic debriefing” — may be giving way to a new, more wellness-focused approach among younger clinicians. At the same time, gaps in education, policy and peer support remain evident across EMS systems. For leaders, the message is clear: alcohol use is not a fringe issue, but a workforce health, safety and performance issue that requires thoughtful engagement, cultural awareness and proactive support structures. Key quotes from Maria Koeppel “Over 50% of firefighters surveyed had binge drank in the last 30 days — about twice the rate of the general population.” “EMS providers tend to drink a little bit more frequently than the general population — and that's tied directly to stress.” “It's not just the big trauma calls — it's the micro-stressors that add up over time.” “A third of clinicians in our sample engaged in high-risk drinking behaviors.” “Younger clinicians are at higher risk — but that risk declines with age as coping mechanisms develop.” “Paramedics are at higher risk than EMTs, likely due to increased responsibility and patient exposure.” “Some described going out after shift as ‘hydraulic debriefing' — using alcohol to process the day.” “Gen Z is driving a more sober culture — they're choosing connection without alcohol.” “Leadership isn't just policy — it's culture, awareness and how you care for your people.” “Alcohol and coping has to be part of the conversation if we care about workforce health and patient safety.” Episode timeline 01:06 – Maria's background: firefighter and researcher 02:24 – Overview of NIH/FEMA research and EMS focus 04:14 – Key findings: stress, frequency of drinking and EMS culture 05:08 – Micro-stressors vs. major trauma calls 06:54 – Risk factors: age, role, education, multiple jobs 10:11 – Culture and “hydraulic debriefing” 11:46 – Fire vs. private EMS cultural differences 14:38 – Generational shift: Gen Z and sober culture 19:24 – Alternative substances and coping trends 21:20 – Leadership roles: policy vs. culture 24:11 – Peer support gaps in EMS 26:41 – Workforce impact: sleep, stress, retention 27:14 – Education gap and need for EMS-specific training 29:11 – Conferences and future research dissemination 30:13 – Episode wrap-up Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence travels to New York City to sit down with Lillian Bonsignore, the 37th Commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). A 30-plus year veteran who rose through the ranks of EMS — from EMT in the South Bronx to Chief of EMS and now Commissioner — Bonsignore brings a ground-up understanding of the largest fire-EMS system in the United States. She reflects on stepping into the role as “walking onto a fast-moving train,” immediately confronted with major incidents, severe weather and system pressures, while simultaneously building her leadership team and setting direction for the future. | MORE: ‘We have to right the ship': FDNY commissioner doubles down on EMS pay parity The conversation explores the unique structure of FDNY, where the Commissioner operates as the executive leader “almost like CEO of the company,” while operational command sits with the Chief of Department. Bonsignore is clear-eyed about the scale and demands of the system: over 2.2 million runs annually, with 1.6 million EMS-related, reinforcing her long-held position that EMS must be treated as an essential service with appropriate funding and career pathways. Drawing on her experience leading through the COVID-19 pandemic and responding on Sept. 11, 2001, she emphasizes resilience, communication and presence — being visible in stations, honest with staff and committed to supporting those who “leave their own families behind to go serve a stranger.” Bonsignore also addresses criticism of her appointment directly and without hesitation, framing it as a misunderstanding of the Commissioner's role and the realities of modern emergency response. She underscores that FDNY is both fire and EMS, and that her career — spanning 9/11 response, pandemic leadership and decades of frontline service — positions her to lead the entire enterprise. Looking ahead, she speaks to the need for infrastructure investment, workforce stabilization, mental health support, and the thoughtful adoption of technologies such as AI and body-worn cameras. As FDNY approaches the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the nation's 250th year, her focus remains clear: support the workforce, strengthen the system, and prepare the department for the next generation of service. Key quotes from Commissioner Bonsignore “Walking into a position like this is like walking onto a fast-moving train.” “I understand the ground level challenges that go on because I lived them.” “The commissioner is the administrative level, almost like CEO of the company.” “We're responding to over 2.2 million runs a year … 1.6 million of those runs are EMS-related runs.” “We have to stabilize our system … it's time that EMS is finally treated as an essential service.” “I will always tell you the truth. You may not like my truth, but I will give it to you.” “The decision of a first responder is to leave their own families behind … to go serve a stranger.” “They are literally your heroes … they will put their lives on the line for you.” Episode timeline 01:10 – First 100 days as Commissioner — “fast-moving train” 02:30 – Career journey and EMS roots shaping leadership 04:30 – Workforce trust, credibility and lived experience 06:30 – Pay parity and EMS as an essential service 09:00 – Structure of FDNY — Commissioner vs. operational command 11:30 – Setting direction and stabilizing the organization 13:30 – Relationship with the Mayor and political leadership 17:30 – Addressing criticism and misconceptions 19:30 – Leading through COVID — scale, innovation, mutual aid 23:30 – Morale, resilience and leadership presence 26:30 – Recruitment and retention challenges 30:30 – AI and future innovation in EMS 32:30 – Behavioral health response and BeHeard program 36:30 – First responder mental health and support systems 38:30 – Violence against EMS and workforce protection 41:00 – Body-worn cameras and transparency 43:30 – 9/11 reflections and legacy 50:30 – Commemoration planning and future outlook Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

This week on EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence sits down with Sarah McEntee, executive director of the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), to unpack what accreditation really means for modern EMS systems. Moving beyond the “sticker on the truck,” Sarah reframes CAAS as a living, breathing process — one that drives internal improvement, organizational alignment and long-term sustainability. From its origins within the American Ambulance Association in the 1990s, to the latest Version 4.0 standards, the conversation highlights how CAAS provides a unified, industry-driven framework that elevates agencies from compliant to high-performing. Rob brings a practitioner's perspective, reflecting on his own experience navigating multiple accreditation cycles, emphasizing how CAAS becomes a “guiding light” for governance, clinical care and operational excellence. Together, they explore the structure of the standards, the application journey, and the cultural readiness required to succeed. The key takeaway is clear: accreditation is not a project with an endpoint — it's a continuous process that strengthens organizations from the inside out, identifying risks, improving systems, and ultimately delivering better care to patients and communities. Episode timeline 01:30 – Origins of CAAS and need for unified standards 03:30 – Breakdown of CAAS standards (admin, clinical, operations) 06:30 – Deep dive into operational standards and structure 10:30 – Rob's real-world experience with accreditation 12:30 – Accreditation as a process vs. project 16:00 – Value proposition: internal vs. external benefits 18:30 – Cost vs. value — and the risk of not being accredited 22:00 – Step-by-step accreditation journey (readiness → submission → review) 28:30 – Site visits and peer collaboration 31:30 – Resources, support and how to get started 34:30 – Final reflections and leadership call to action Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

Have you ever had a close call falling asleep because you were exhausted from working your EMS shift? While we often acknowledge fatigue in EMS as an issue, we must do more to address and operationalize the education, policy, and system design of this dangerous problem. Hosts Maia Dorsett, Rob Lawrence and Hilary Gates are joined by fatigue expert P. Daniel Patterson, PhD, NRP, Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh along with Stephanie Louka, MD, EMT, an EMS physician at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. Stephanie shares a gripping firsthand story of a post-shift crash where she became a patient. The episode explores the science—and the lived reality—of fatigue in EMS.  From the biology of fatigue to evidence-based strategies like tactical napping and sleep banking, this episode challenges educators and leaders to rethink how we prepare clinicians not just to treat patients, but to survive the job.  You'll hear how leaders must confront the cultural and organizational barriers of this issue to keep crews, patients and the public safe. Fatigue isn't just a wellness issue—it's a safety issue. What will you change after listening? Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Mentioned in the episode: 2024 Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prehospital Care https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39373357/ The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by Bob Davies and Hilary Gates to explore the mission behind Six Minutes to Live, a growing movement focused on improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest. | MORE: ‘Six Minutes to Live': Mini-documentary spotlights cardiac arrest care crisis The conversation begins with the stark reality that every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces survival by 10%, and then widens into a larger discussion about injustice, geography and system performance. Bob reflects on his landmark USA Today investigation into EMS disparities across the country, while Hilary explains why this issue remains deeply personal and why communities, not just medical systems, must be part of the solution. The episode then turns from problem to action. Hilary and Bob describe how Six Minutes to Live is using storytelling, advocacy, community partnerships and public training to drive change, especially through bystander CPR education, school-based training and public access defibrillation. From Santa Cruz to the Resuscitation Academy in Seattle, the emphasis is on making the simple feel possible: hands-only CPR, early defibrillation and empowering ordinary people to act. The result is more than a nonprofit or a campaign. As Rob notes, this is a movement. Memorable quotes “For every minute that a person's heart has stopped, their chance of survival decreases by 10%.” — Hilary Gates “Life and death is defined by geography.” — Bob Davies “There are vulnerable, voiceless people living on the margins who need a voice.” — Hilary Gates “The main way that people save more lives is they care.” — Bob Davies “Every podcast that Hillary and I are involved with is actually sponsored by R&D. Rip off and duplicate, show up, take our stuff, go and save lives with it.” — Rob Lawrence Additional resources Six Minutes to Live Six Minutes to Live mini documentary Episode timeline 01:34-02:14 – Rob Lawrence introduces the episode and welcomes Hilary Gates and Bob Davies. 02:21-03:21 – Hilary Gates shares her background as an educator turned paramedic and cofounder of Six Minutes to Live. 03:48-08:14 – Bob Davies recounts his experience as a paramedic and journalist, including his USA Today investigation into EMS performance disparities. 08:24-10:50 – Rob asks what has changed in 20 years; Bob discusses the enduring formula, new technology and the energy of younger clinicians. 11:08-13:02 – Hilary explains why Six Minutes to Live was founded and frames cardiac arrest survival as an issue of injustice and community responsibility. 13:13-17:08 – Rob asks what Six Minutes to Live is and how it fits among other advocacy organizations; Bob and Hilary describe its role as a connector and storyteller. 18:04-18:39 – Rob resets the conversation and asks what the organization is doing now. 18:50-20:47 – Hilary describes the Santa Cruz partnership, community CPR training and support from donors and local agencies. 21:12-23:47 – Bob highlights their upcoming workshop at the Resuscitation Academy in Seattle and the power of systems that care enough to measure and improve. 24:00-25:20 – Rob offers a transatlantic explainer connecting Eisenberg, Utstein and UK ambulance response standards. 25:24-28:41 – Hilary discusses community myths about CPR and AEDs, and the need to simplify action for laypeople. 28:48-31:02 – Bob outlines what is next: documentaries, deep listening, connecting voices and helping movements grow organically. 31:17-33:01 – Rob and Hilary talk about creating local champions, liability concerns and getting communities to act. 33:13-34:47 – Rob asks the closing question; Hilary urges EMS clinicians to become local champions for simple lifesaving actions. 35:22-37:20 – Bob closes with a call for EMS professionals to confront the “little secrets” they know and act on them. Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

How can cardiac arrest data be used to create quality education for EMS clinicians? In this episode, hosts Maia Dorsett, Rob Lawrence and Hilary Gates are joined by quality improvement experts Kerby Johnson, Clinical Quality Research Coordinator for the Office of the Medical Director at Fort Worth Fire Department EMS, and paramedic Kevin Gustina from Perinton EMS to explore how systems can use data to drive smarter education and better cardiac arrest outcomes. From the power of the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) to monitor-level insights and process measures, the group discusses how agencies—large and small—can turn performance data into meaningful training. They share real-world lessons, down to the seemingly small tweaks, on improving time to first shock, high-quality CPR and team-based resuscitation. The conversation highlights how looking at your data and being purposeful about simulation and team practice can transform teams. Because in resuscitation, neurologically-intact outcomes is what matters. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Mentioned in the episode: CARES https://mycares.net/ Utstein Guidelines https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030095722100126X Mechanical Chest Compression Research https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8328162/ The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

EMS on the Hill isn't just a date on the calendar — it's the profession's annual moment to stand in front of Congress and tell the EMS story with clarity, confidence and unity. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by NAEMT President, Chris Way, to preview EMS on the Hill (March 25–26, 2026) and explain why this event matters now more than ever: EMS is where most Americans first enter the healthcare system, and the care delivered in the field is no longer “drive-you-to-the-hospital medicine.” Chris and Rob also unpack what's changed — the scale of collaboration across national organizations and the discipline of going to Capitol Hill with aligned priorities and a shared message. They walk listeners through the event flow (Education Day, briefings, Hill visits, awards and reception), the importance of working relationships with staffers, and the advocacy “ask” that could reshape the future: reimbursement for treatment in place, mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine, and sustainable support for initiatives like prehospital blood. The throughline is simple: show up, speak with one voice, and translate momentum into legislative wins. Additional resources: EMS on the Hill Day One voice, one profession — EMS leaders open summit with call for unity and coordinated action Episode timeline 00:00 – Chris Way frames the goal: becoming a trusted, go-to EMS resource for lawmakers 00:52 – Why EMS on the Hill matters; EMS as the front door of healthcare; call to action 02:16 – Advocacy theme and EMS on the Hill as the seminal D.C. event 03:27 – Kansas City summit recap; commitment to making it annual; “stronger together” 05:39 – Evolution of EMS on the Hill into a multi-organization partnership; one message 08:24 – Logistics overview begins: dates, hotel, education day, briefings, awards 10:16 – How to succeed in legislative meetings: reading the room, time limits, staffer relationships 17:14 – Priority bills: treatment in place, MIH/CP, whole blood, NAMSP priorities 21:02 – “This is ongoing” collaboration: monthly cross-organization calls, broader coordination 24:05 – Chris shares his recommended approach: prep, priorities, cards/coins, questions, follow-up 27:34 – Rob's add-ons: photos after meetings, tagging lawmakers, comms/PR value 28:59 – Final logistics recap; what to expect as a first-timer at state tables 30:37 – Chris closes: unprecedented partnership, focus to “get this done” 31:14 – Rob plugs state-level advocacy (CAA Stars/Capitol Day) Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback. 

Recorded on location at the EMS Association Summit in sunny Kansas City, this edition of EMS One-Stop captures something that's been building for a while across the profession: real momentum. In the first half, Rob Lawrence sits down with Bill Seifarth, CEO of the National Registry of EMTs, to unpack what the Registry is today; how its mission has evolved; and why partnerships, research and continued competence sit at the heart of public trust when 911 is called. In the second half, returning guest Patrick Pianezza joins Rob to talk Code 3, the top streaming EMS movie's impact on providers and families and what comes next. Across both conversations, the theme is unmistakable. When EMS organizations collaborate, align messaging and show up as one voice, the profession becomes harder to ignore and easier to support. The summit becomes more than a meeting. It becomes a signal. Episode timeline 1:02 – Introduction of Bill Seifarth; brief personal bio and career path 2:01 – “National Registry 101”: Bill explains the mission and what the Registry does 2:53 – Research focus: the Registry's fellowship and EMS research priorities 3:31 – “Bread and butter”: entry-level and continued competence assessment and why it matters to the public 4:33 – Rob notes the Registry's growing national presence; Bill outlines advocacy-through-partnership 5:08 – Preview of next year's summit; participation in EMS on the Hill and NCSL with multiple EMS orgs in one booth 6:33 – Why the summit matters: state associations and national partners coming together under one roof — it's a sold-out inaugural event; education, networking and shared experience highlighted 10:52 – Next stop: EMS on the Hill; “hunting in a pack” 12:20 – Bill's closing: partnership, collaboration, synergy and supporting the profession 13:38 – Transition: Rob introduces Patrick Pianezza, co-writer of Code 3 14:41 – Patrick reflects on the film's reception — especially among working providers 15:33 – Patrick shares the origin story: a “homework assignment” turned full-length film 17:39 – Where to watch: Apple/Amazon to rent or purchase; streaming on Hulu; performance metrics shared 18:30 – What's next: pitching a TV series and interest in a sequel; realities of funding and IP ownership 21:33 – Discussion of the “Mr. President” scene and the intentional visual tension-building 24:19 – Patrick addresses feedback and the goal: honest portrayal and conversation-starting, not villainizing partners 27:41 – Leadership pipeline point: great clinicians aren't automatically great leaders; mentorship matters 30:15 – Closing theme returns: one voice, fewer scattered voices, more impact for the profession 31:20 – Rob wraps: summit takeaways, guests, and a final nudge to watch Code 3 Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes. 

Rob Lawrence hosts this special episode of the EMS World Podcast. The Injury Prevention Alliance of Phoenix (Arizona) is the winner of the 2025 Nicholas Rosecrans Award, which recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations who make a significant impact in preventing injury and illness before they even happen. The award is named for Nicholas Rosecrans, a young boy who tragically drowned in 1996, spurring local paramedics to commit to increasing injury and illness prevention.  The Injury Prevention Alliance of Phoenix won the award for their teen driver safety program.  In addition to members of the Alliance, Nicholas's mother, Lynn Artz, and brother, Noah Rosecrans, join the episode.  

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by ZOLL software and data solutions. Optimize EMS performance and outcomes at every stage of operations with interoperable solutions from dispatch, to patient care, QA/QI, billing and beyond. Visit zolldata.com to learn about the complete solution suite. NAEMSP is officially a “big little conference” — and it's only getting bigger. In this crossover episode, Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero unpack the momentum: tighter collaboration, a unified push toward EMS on the Hill Day, and the growing realization that if we want change, we need boots (and uniforms) on Capitol Hill. But the real buzz? AI. From autonomous ambulances to narrative-writing software, the conversation gets real about the promise — and the potholes — of artificial intelligence in EMS. Charting shortcuts? Maybe. Courtroom landmines? Definitely possible. Add in body-worn camera debates, budget crises and a push for legislative support at the federal level, and it's clear the profession is standing at a pivot point. Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes. 

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by ZOLL software and data solutions. Optimize EMS performance and outcomes at every stage of operations with interoperable solutions from dispatch, to patient care, QA/QI, billing and beyond. Visit zolldata.com to learn about the complete solution suite. NAEMSP is officially a “big little conference” — and it's only getting bigger. In this crossover episode, Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero unpack the momentum: tighter collaboration, a unified push toward EMS on the Hill Day, and the growing realization that if we want change, we need boots (and uniforms) on Capitol Hill. But the real buzz? AI. From autonomous ambulances to narrative-writing software, the conversation gets real about the promise — and the potholes — of artificial intelligence in EMS. Charting shortcuts? Maybe. Courtroom landmines? Definitely possible. Add in body-worn camera debates, budget crises and a push for legislative support at the federal level, and it's clear the profession is standing at a pivot point. Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes. 

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Dr. Linda Dykes joins Rob Lawrence from the UK for a wide-ranging, transatlantic conversation that starts with workplace culture and ends with a practical look at how health systems can keep patients safely at home. In the first half, Linda breaks down her newly published (open-access) qualitative paper, provocatively titled “It's not bullying if I do it to everyone,” drawn from UK NHS “Med Twitter” responses: a raw, heartbreaking window into the red flags of toxic workplace culture, how bullying is experienced in the eye of the beholder, and why incivility and silence are not just HR problems — they're patient safety threats. In the second half, Linda brings listeners into the UK's evolving admission alternative world: frailty care at home, urgent community response models, and the increasingly important interface between EMS and community-based teams. She explains the UK's SPOA (single point of access) concept, why she dislikes the term “admission avoidance,” and how ED crowding and access change the risk-benefit equation for hospital vs. home. Rob connects the dots back to the U.S. reality — reimbursement, APOT/wall time, treatment-in-place policy — and why this work is becoming a shared challenge on both sides of the Atlantic. Timeline 00:51 – Rob opens, recaps NAEMSP in Tampa and recent content. 02:25 – Rob introduces Linda as the “triple threat” (emergency medicine, primary care/GP, geriatrics) and tees up two-part discussion. 05:39 – Rob introduces Linda's paper: “It's not bullying if I do it to everyone.” 06:13 – Linda explains why toxic culture is increasingly visible and how the tweet prompt became a dataset. 07:33 – “Flash mob research group” forms; Linda explains social-media-to-qualitative methodology and limitations. 10:03 – Rob asks about bias; Linda clarifies purpose: insight, not representativeness. 16:39 – Linda defines gaslighting and why it's so destabilizing. 18:21 – Reactions to publication; resonance, sharing and uncomfortable self-reflection on learned behaviors. 20:18 – The “16:55 Friday email” as a weapon — and as an accidental harm. 23:29 – Leadership as “the sponge” — absorbing pressure rather than passing it down. 25:27 – “One thing right now”: know the impact your words can have, especially on vulnerable staff. 26:41 – Rob on “pressure bubbles,” micro-movements and atmospherics: how leaders shift climate without realizing it. 30:53 – SPOA explained: single point of access and urgent community response behind it. 33:03 – EMS interface: calling before conveyance to find safe pathways to keep patients at home. 35:47 – Linda on mortality risk of access block/long waits and how that reframes risk decisions. 37:19 – Evolving models: primary care-led response vs. hospital at home approaches. 39:34 – Clinical myths challenged: oral antibiotics sometimes non-inferior to IV in conditions we assumed needed admission. 40:34 – Outcomes: hospital at home trial signals safety and fewer patients in institutional care by 6 months. 42:00 – Telemedicine/telehealth: underutilized but useful; when you still need a senior clinician in person. 44:50 – Closing takeaways: read the paper (with trigger warning); admission alternative work is deeply satisfying. Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode. 

Recorded live from the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) 2026 Annual Meeting in Tampa, hosts Rob Lawrence and Hilary Gates welcome back leaders from the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) — CEO Bill Seifarth and COO Alan Arguello — for an in-depth conversation on the latest updates shaping EMS education and certification. The group explores NREMT's new mission statement that is focused on partnerships, research, and lifelong assessment of clinical competence. Bill and Alan also break down the evolving National Continued Competency Program (NCCP), the new ALS Practice Analysis, and proven ways to continue our education, like micro-learning and just-in-time learning. Plus, hear about the newly formed NREMT Advisory Group and how EMS professionals can get more involved in shaping the future of the profession — with a little pirate humor to honor Tampa's Gasparilla Festival thrown in for good measure. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Mentioned in the episode: NREMT Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.nremt.org/Partners/Volunteers Join the inaugural EMS Association Summit (EAS) — the first national event uniting state EMS association leaders, board members, and staff. Experience two days of inspiration, idea-sharing, and collaboration designed to strengthen partnerships and shape the future of EMS nationwide. February 17-19, 2026 | Kansas City, KS - https://attendeas.net/daily-agenda/ The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes John Sammons, an advanced practice paramedic with Wake County EMS, a peer support team member and a key leader in the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. John sits at the intersection of system design and human performance, helping build the kind of operational and cultural scaffolding that keeps clinicians effective, healthy and coming back tomorrow. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes John Sammons, an advanced practice paramedic with Wake County EMS, a peer support team member and a key leader in the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. John sits at the intersection of system design and human performance, helping build the kind of operational and cultural scaffolding that keeps clinicians effective, healthy and coming back tomorrow. | MORE: Peer support teams: How to build trust and maximize effectiveness This week's conversation goes beyond “be more resilient” and into the practical realities of burnout, moral injury, mentoring and culture, including the role of frontline and unofficial leaders in shaping what “normal” looks like inside an agency. John also shares the Wake County approach to peer support: presence first, then resources, plus the power of finding your people: your team, your tribe, your board of directors. Memorable quotes from John Sammons “We have folks that don't stay in the profession. We have folks that leave. We have folks that unfortunately develop substantial mental health crises up to and including, unfortunately, suicide in our profession.” “What an amazing privilege that we're invited into somebody's home to take care of them and to figure it out.” “Every one of those people expects to call 911 and have an expert show up and solve the problem.” “I work to live, I don't live to work. And that's a great philosophy to have.” “Everybody goes home ... but there should be an addendum on the bottom of it that says, ‘but everybody comes back tomorrow.'” “Nobody gets us like we get us.” “Leadership is action, not a title.” “Everybody has their bucket, and everybody's bucket can only hold so much.” “Nobody got into this because we wanted to be crusty and angry and miserable and difficult to be around.” Episode timeline 00:40 – Rob opens the episode and introduces John Sammons and the theme: resilience and beyond 02:05 – John's “Sammons 101” bio: Wake County APP, peer support, Lighthouse Leadership involvement 03:01 – Burnout data and why it matters for retention and wellbeing 04:16 – Wake County's Advanced Practice Paramedic Program: the “three Rs” 05:03 – John's post-COVID turning point: “I'm done ... I don't want to do this anymore” 06:12 – What brings John back to work: purpose, people, privilege, challenge 09:16 – Prevention and balance: identity beyond the job, sleep, nutrition, purpose 12:15 – Peer support in practice: presence, triage, in-house clinician, canines, statewide resources 17:09 – Podcast/vodcast reminder and John's slides supporting the discussion 18:14 – NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership: why relationships and peers are the real multiplier 20:39 – Mentorship as a resilience strategy: formal programs and informal investment 24:25 – Culture: administration vs frontline leaders vs unofficial leaders 28:06 – Closing reflections: remembering why we got into EMS 30:36 – Final takeaways Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes. 

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Sophie Fuller — better known across social media as Paramedic Sophie — joins host Rob Lawrence for a candid, energizing conversation about what it really feels like to work in EMS right now: pride, the pressure, the burnout, and the culture issues that too many providers have been taught to silently absorb. Sophie is a critical care ground paramedic, flight paramedic, educator and president of the Tennessee Association of EMS Providers (TAEMSP), and she brings a provider-first lens to everything from leadership visibility, to mental health and pay equity. Together, Rob and Sophie dig into why Sophie started creating content in the first place (hint: burnout and the need to connect), how social media can be used as a force for good, and what “healthy” EMS culture should look like in practice. Sophie shares practical advice for crews and leaders alike: Be human Say the uncomfortable thing Stop normalizing harm Build systems that “care back” for the people doing the work Memorable quotes “We're just working in systems that haven't yet learned how to care back for the provider.” — Sophie Fuller “Management by walking about. Don't be stuck in the office. Don't say my door is always open because that relies on people coming in to see you. Get out and go and see them.” — Rob Lawrence “We love this job and that distracts us from the fact that it's also hurting us.” — Sophie Fuller “Just because it's normal doesn't mean it's healthy.” — Sophie Fuller “We confuse trauma with tradition.” — Sophie Fuller Additional resources: Follow Paramedic Sophie on: YouTube Tik Tok “The Next Shift : A mentorship workbook for EMTs and Paramedics” | E-Book, by Sophie Fuller “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System” - PubMed Episode timeline 01:00 – Rob introduces Sophie Fuller (“Paramedic Sophie”) and frames the influencer vs. “effluencer” concept 02:14 – Sophie's origin story: graphic design → hospital tech → EMT → volunteer fire → paramedic → critical care → flight 06:16 – TAEMSP: why Tennessee needed a provider-level association and the shift toward legislative advocacy 08:05 – Why she started with social media: two full-time 911 jobs, low pay, burnout and the need for an outlet/connection 09:32 – Defining EMS burnout: the “jar on the shelf” and cumulative strain that becomes chronic fatigue 13:26 – Sophie's guidance to providers: vulnerability, telling the truth and not letting naysayers silence needed conversations 16:00 – Sophie's message to leadership: don't be the “Wizard of Oz” — show up, communicate and stay connected to crews 20:26 – EMS culture: self-sacrifice, silence, “earning your place through suffering,” and confusing trauma with tradition 23:10 – Sophie's book “The Next Shift”: a field guide to “learn, lead and last” in EMS 26:03 – Mistakes and “just culture”: reporting, mentoring, anonymous reporting systems, and learning vs. blame 32:08 – Closing challenge: stop normalizing harm; speak up for culture and patient care 33:14 – Where to find Sophie online and how large her platform has become Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode. 

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by his own Medical Director, Dr. Maia Dorsett, to unpack the 2025 NEMSQA Measures Report — a deep dive into trauma-focused quality measures built largely from NEMSIS data. Dr. Dorsett frames the discussion around the central aim of quality improvement: Are we doing a good job? Are we delivering the best possible care? How do we get better? From pediatric vital signs to traumatic brain injury (TBI) fundamentals, she walks listeners through what the report reveals, what it can't reliably measure yet, and why some of the “sexy” procedures are too rare to serve as useful system-wide metrics. The conversation highlights a recurring theme: fundamentals matter most. Dr. Dorsett explains how measures like complete vital signs and avoiding secondary brain injury in TBI (hypoxia, hypotension, hyperventilation) can drive meaningful outcomes — even during relatively short prehospital intervals. She also points out where current measurement approaches unintentionally create documentation burden for clinicians, arguing that systems should do more of the “figuring out” (like trauma center designation and prenotification capture) without requiring extra clicks. The episode closes with a call to action: anyone can join NEMSQA, contribute to the work, and help shape what EMS quality measurement becomes next. Memorable quotes from Dr. Maia Dorsett “I think the most fundamental question in quality improvement is, are we doing a good job?” “I think part of the value of this report is specifically looking at those things and saying what should we be measuring using NEMSIS data or how should things be integrated into that database so that the answers are there rather than needing to be documented on each individual case?” “If there's one thing that you're going to take away from this trauma report is that, the sexy stuff is important, but it happens rarely. And if you want to improve care in your system, it's about the fundamentals of good care.” Additional resources NEMSQA 2025 Report Release EMS One-Stop: Leading through momentum: Dr. Douglas Kupas on steering NAEMSP Episode timeline 00:31 – Rob welcomes listeners; introduces the 2025 NEMSQA measures discussion and notes prior episode with Dr. Jeff Jarvis 01:10 – Dr. Dorsett joins; holiday surge discussion and flu impact on EDs and admissions 03:08 – Dr. Dorsett explains her role as co-chair of NEMSQA's Measure Analysis and Research Committee; trauma focus of the 2025 report; pain measures not included due to active research 05:00 – NEMSIS scale and opportunity: extracting meaningful measures from a massive national dataset 05:35 – Dr. Dorsett on what NEMSIS measures well vs. what it shouldn't force clinicians to document (system should determine trauma center status) 07:46 – “HALO procedures” table: why rare interventions shouldn't become national quality measures 10:17 – Trauma 08: complete vital signs; pediatric gap (adults ~93% vs pediatrics ~85% in discussion) 14:22 – TBI measures: preventing secondary brain injury; why fundamentals outperform “sexy” fixes; correction rates for hypotension/hypoxia discussed 21:39 – Trauma 04: trauma triage criteria and transport to trauma centers; why national measure looks low; documentation field limitations 24:17 – State collaboration comparison: using state trauma center designation data shifts performance dramatically (often 75–90%+ in examples) 26:55 – Trauma 14: hospital prenotification; importance and measurement challenges (multiple modalities, inconsistent capture) 30:01 – Rob raises operational/policy concerns about trauma alerts and incentives; Dr. Dorsett adds nuance about local criteria variation 33:22 – Closing: Dr. Dorsett's “fundamentals matter” takeaway; impact at scale 34:44 – Dr. Dorsett plugs joining NEMSQA as an individual/agency; committees are open 35:31 – NAEMSP Tampa preview; Dr. Dorsett: “The people” are why she goes — leaves energized with new ideas Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode. 

Dr. Douglas Kupas joins Rob Lawrence to kick off EMS One-Stop in 2026, reflecting on his first year as President of NAEMSP — a year he describes as fast-moving, complex and occasionally “whack-a-mole,” with emerging issues demanding real-time leadership while long-term priorities still had to move forward. He shares what he's learned about the presidency, the value of NAEMSP's leadership “bench strength,” and why advocacy and coalition-building across national EMS organizations has become more coordinated, more strategic and more essential. The conversation then turns to what's immediately ahead: the NAEMSP Annual Meeting in Tampa (late January), including pre-conference courses, the flagship Medical Director's Course, and a packed scientific program. Kupas highlights a keynote focused on transforming battlefield trauma care; major research programming through oral abstracts and hundreds of posters; and high-impact sessions spanning clinical care, operations, legal issues, and international perspectives — reinforcing why the Tampa meeting remains a must-attend event for anyone serious about the science and future of EMS. Episode timeline 00:00 – Rob tees up NAEMSP Annual Meeting growth as a “good problem to have” 00:50 – Welcome/Happy New Year 2026; Dr. Kupas introduced as first guest of the year 01:45 – Year one as NAEMSP president: what's surprised Dr. Kupas, pace of work, governance “bench strength” 04:26 – NEMSAC termination: what happened, what NAEMSP hopes comes next 07:02 – Building the pipeline: medical student/resident interest group, travel support ideas 08:47 – “Hot off the press:” NAEMSP accepted into WHO Acute Care Action Network 10:08 – Advocacy “hunting as a pack:” overlapping national orgs, EMS on the Hill coordination 12:40 – Why Hill visits work: stories, staffers and why first-timers matter 16:48 – “White hat” advocacy and patient-centered priorities; ED wall time as a key issue 20:07 – Tampa preview: “It's not just for docs,” NAEMSP membership structure 22:11 – Pre-cons overview: Medical Director's Course, QI workshop, MIH, ventilation, blood, TECC 23:55 – Keynote: Dr. Frank Butler and special intro by Dr. Bob Mabry; Grand Rounds obstetric focus 27:45 – Major legal session format and why legal content draws a crowd 29:28 – Space constraints and future planning: small convention centers; San Diego “buyout” scale 31:49 – Research explosion: oral abstracts, posters, receptions; better ways to access abstracts 34:39 – “Meat of the conference:” operations, clinical topics, international speakers/learning 36:49 – Closing question: Bill details Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode. 

As the year wraps, Rob Lawrence welcomes back the “EMS Avenger” Jimmy Apple for a fast-moving, end-of-year pulse check on the EMS universe — through the lens of social media, research and what frontline clinicians are actually saying when the mic is on and the comments are open. Building on last week's data-and-trends conversation , this episode pivots into “the world according to Jimmy Apple” and his alter ego, the EMS Avenger, exploring what's made providers lean in, push back or flat-out declare “enough is enough.” | SHARE YOUR STORY: A call for real stories from the EMS field, station and beyond  From burnout and workforce conditions to AI-assisted ECG interpretation and the rise of microlearning, the conversation lands on a central theme: the future of EMS isn't just protocols — it's people, technology and how we choose to learn, adapt and debate. Jimmy also names his “paper of the year” on spinal immobilization, explains how he handles disagreement without falling into “quicksand arguments,” and previews a packed 2026 speaking calendar — plus a relaunch of his podcast. Memorable quotes “If we can just verify that you're retaining the information, that's much more important than the veracity of how long it took you to get that information.” — Jimmy Apple “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” — Jimmy Apple “That's the future; is that literally, we're going to swipe it, absorb it and swipe away again.” — Rob Lawrence “My paper of the year is the paper that was published on spinal mobilization … It does not support the use of backboards as anything other than an extrication tool.” — Jimmy Apple “I think that a big push that I'm making this year is to really start talking about the EMS provider as the person.” — Jimmy Apple Episode timeline 00:56 — Rob welcomes listeners, references year-in-review data and notes ambulance thefts continue to trend. 01:38 — Rob brings Jimmy back and asks for a quick summary of Jimmy's year and growing reach, and the top themes Jimmy has seen. 04:12 — Jimmy identifies provider conditions and mindset as the dominant theme and describes discussion of collapse/collapsing systems. 06:12 — Jimmy explains social media as the pulse point and highlights burnout, anger and provider frustration. 06:52 — Jimmy pivots to technology's growing role and EMS resistance to tech encroachment in practice. 07:23 — Rob connects the tech thread to conference observations (Axon, AI). Jimmy gives examples (AI 12-lead, apps) and argues tech advancement shouldn't be rejected due to “skill deterioration” fears. 09:34 — Rob asks Jimmy's “how do you explain complex concepts quickly?” Jimmy uses the Michelangelo anecdote to describe stripping concepts to essentials; critiques padded, time-gated education. 12:29 — Jimmy argues for education credit models that recognize microlearning and self-directed learning if retention can be verified. 14:04 — Rob asks for standout research; Jimmy discusses RSI/induction agent considerations, pressors debate and prehospital antibiotics. 16:47 — Rob and Jimmy preview NAEMSP's annual meeting (“research Disney”), value of posters, networking and clinical depth. 18:26 — Jimmy names spinal immobilization evidence review as his “paper of the year” and explains its conclusions. 21:36 — Rob asks how Jimmy handles disagreement/detractors with a larger platform — Jimmy describes disagreement as healthy, focuses on respectful pushback and staying anchored in data. 29:00 — Final question: Jimmy emphasizes “provider as person,” healing the clinician and a sponsored podcast relaunch in January. Additional resources Meet the EMS Avenger: Saving lives with kindness and content. TikTok sensation and pediatric critical care paramedic Jimmy Apple shares his rise in EMS education, battling misinformation with heart and hustle Jimmy Apple's “paper of the year:” Millin MG, Innes JC, King GD, Abo BN, et al. “Prehospital Trauma Compendium: Prehospital Management of Spinal Cord Injuries — A NAEMSP Comprehensive Review and Analysis of the Literature.” Prehosp Emerg Care. 2025 Aug. Connect with Jimmy Apple, better known as The EMS Avenger: TikTok — Jimmy offers short-form, evidence-based EMS content here: @emsavenger Instagram — Engage with in-depth reels, visuals, and professional updates: @emsavenger X (formerly Twitter) — Follow EMS commentary, conversation, and boosts: @EMSAvenger Facebook — Join the group for discussions and shared insights: EMS Avenger community Apple Podcasts — Listen to “EMS Avenger: 20 Minutes to Save the World”: Weekly podcast series AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

Episode 315: This episode goes beyond trends and buzzwords. It's a candid discussion about leadership, accountability, education, and execution grounded in decades of experience across multiple EMS systems and cultures. Steve reconnects with longtime EMS leader, strategist, and global EMS advocate Rob Lawrence for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, education, system design, and the future of EMS. Rob is the Director of Strategic Implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS. Rob brings a rare international perspective, shaped by leadership roles in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the development of EMS systems worldwide. Rob is a prolific writer and broadcaster for EMS1 and Police1.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-315-rob-lawrence--69220043I

As EMS closes out 2025, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky (PWWAG) and Rodney Dyche (Patient Care EMS Solutions) for their second annual EMSIntel.org “year in review” conversation — a fast-moving tour through the biggest stories shaping the EMS profession. Drawing from the EMSIntel news log (now 3,849 stories as of the morning of recording), the trio connects what's making headlines to what EMS leaders are experiencing on the ground: unstable economics, governance pressure, system redesign and rising operational risk. The discussion lands on several recurring themes: economic sustainability as the dominant issue; the real-world politics of tax levies and “essential service” designations; the ongoing obsession with response times (and what they cost); preventable ambulance thefts escalating in severity; and the importance of measuring and publishing clinical outcomes and meaningful performance metrics. The through-line: communities are being forced into more honest conversations about what they can afford — and what EMS should look like going into 2026. | SHARE YOUR STORY: A call for real stories from the EMS field, station and beyond Memorable quotes “Having a thoughtful conversation about what your system needs to look like on the go forward is paramount.” — Rodney Dyche “If you don't talk about yourself, somebody else will, and then you don't control the narrative.” — Rob Lawrence “Our No. 1 focus really needs to be on the economic sustainability of these systems because we are past the breaking point.” — Matt Zavadsky “Response times equals speed; speed equals crashes.” — Rob Lawrence “These theft incidents are … in almost all cases, 100% preventable by an aftermarket device … probably for 100 or $150.” — Rodney Dyche “Response times are expensive. The shorter that you want your response times, the more money it's going to take.” — Matt Zavadsky “Across every provider type … the fee-for-service revenue is 50% to 60% below the cost of providing service. So when somebody says to you, ‘I can do this for free,' ask more questions.” — Matt Zavadsky “Response times are used as a cudgel.” — Rodney Dyche Episode timeline 01:11 – Rob introduces the end of 2025 reflection and 2026 look-ahead; welcomes Matt Zavadsky and Rodney Dyche for the second annual EMSIntel year-in-review. 02:26 – Rodney reports the EMSIntel log count (“3,849 as of this morning”); Rob explains EMSIntel's purpose: curating national EMS stories to identify themes and brief stakeholders. 04:13 – Matt names the year's biggest issue: economic sustainability; the fiscal model is broken and impacts everything else. 06:32 – Matt walks through the “AnyTown EMS” trajectory: communities can't sustain old models, must define service levels, use system intelligence, and redesign for a modern “2028 model.” 09:06 – Matt cites the Medicare/RAND cost collection findings and warns that fee-for-service revenue sits far below actual costs; “ask more questions” when someone promises “free.” 10:12 – The group discusses communities pursuing tax levies and essential-service framing; Rodney contrasts places that pass funding measures with places that don't, and highlights local politics and competing priorities. 11:52 – Matt clarifies that “essential service” means different things to the public versus statute; agencies need trust, transparency and real community education to succeed at the ballot box. 13:50 – Rodney describes the “cost of readiness” misunderstanding (public sees mileage, not readiness); Matt pushes proactive reporting (monthly/quarterly/annual) to build credibility. 15:35 – Matt pivots to response times: they're expensive, clinically relevant in a small fraction of cases, and should be approached with evidence-based expectations and better triage/EMD practices. 18:14 – Rodney connects hot responses to preventable intersection crashes and modern driver realities; the discussion frames safety risk as a growing operational storyline. 20:21 – Matt adds an editorial caution that crashes are not confined to any one sector; points to recent examples including serious injuries during responses. 22:37 – Rob returns to ambulance thefts; Rodney calls most thefts preventable; Matt argues the basic lock discipline exists already and presses for stronger accountability and accreditation-style best practice. 26:11 – Rob flags downstream legal and regulatory risk (litigation exposure after stolen-unit crashes; DEA-controlled substances security implications). 26:52 – Rodney raises staffing; notes fewer staffing stories than 2024 but questions whether the situation is truly better; mentions earn-to-learn pipeline concerns. 28:13 – Matt describes the shift toward tiered deployment and greater EMT utilization, reducing pressure to staff large numbers of paramedics for calls that don't require that level. 30:17 – Matt emphasizes outcomes and meaningful performance metrics; argues many systems still report the wrong measures and should lead with clinical metrics, patient experience, and quality indicators. 31:08 – Rodney reinforces that response times get weaponized in governance decisions; notes boards can be swayed by “advanced skills” narratives rather than outcome data. 33:25 – Forward-looking wrap: Matt highlights daily calls from communities that “can't afford this anymore” and urges leaders to seize the redesign opportunity; Rodney echoes the need for planning and honest community conversations. Additional resources: AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel Fast & spurious: America keeps losing ambulances and the fix is cheap Callouts, chaos and career killers: The biggest EMS stories of the year Enjoying EMS One-Stop? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes. 

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence revisits an issue close to the heart of every EMS professional: creating a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. Rob is joined by Tony O'Brien and James Robinson from the National EMS Memorial Foundation to provide a clear, candid update on where the project stands, why it matters, and what still needs to be done. From the Weekend of Remembrance to the dream of a year-round place of solace and reverence in the nation's capital, this conversation lays out the long road from idea to reality — and why EMS, as James puts it, truly deserves this. Tony and James walk listeners through the 24-step federal Commemorative Works Act process, the hard work of narrowing 312 potential sites down to three, and the current push to reauthorize the Foundation's federal authority through House Resolution 2196 and Senate Bill 2546. They explain the preferred site in front of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building (HHS), the partnership with MIT's School of Architecture and Urban Risk Lab on a powerful design, and the practical realities of funding, sponsorship and bureaucracy. Most importantly, they end with a clear call to action for the EMS community: contact your elected officials, donate what you can, and help spread the word so that a permanent memorial to EMS can finally take its place in Washington, D.C. Additional resources EMS Memorial EMS Memorial Bills: HR 2196  S2546  2025 National EMS Weekend of Honor recognizes 29 fallen EMS workers ‘Never forgotten': 2025 Moving Honors procession honors 29 EMS providers lost in the line of duty Episode timeline 00:44 – Rob introduces the episode, sets the scene for a revisit of the National EMS Memorial effort, and welcomes guests Tony O'Brien and James Robinson. 01:30 – Tony and James share their backstories. 03:53 – Tony explains the origins of the Foundation at the Weekend of Remembrance/Weekend of Honor and the realization that EMS needs a permanent memorial people can visit year-round. 06:54 – James outlines the Commemorative Works Act, the 24-step process, and how the Foundation has reached step 15-16 over roughly 15 years. 07:54 – Tony details the grueling site-selection work: visiting 312 sites, environmental and noise studies, traffic and solitude considerations, and narrowing to three candidate locations. 10:48 – James describes the need for an Act of Congress to begin, Congressman Stephen Lynch's early sponsorship, and the 2018 authorization that started a 7-year clock — complicated by the pandemic and federal shutdowns. 13:12 – Tony explains how the initial authorization expired, the need for reauthorization and the most recent Senate subcommittee hearing on federal lands where James testified. 16:41 – James and Tony frame the new bills: Senate Bill 2546 and House Resolution 2196, their bipartisan sponsors and the push for more co-sponsors. 19:49 – Tony lays out the three-point call to action: contact Congress, donate via EMSMemorial.org, and follow/share @EMSMemorial on social media. 23:06 – Tony describes the three remaining sites and why Independence Ave. & 3rd St SW, in front of HHS, is the preferred location. 24:42 – Tony highlights the pro-bono design work by MIT's School of Architecture and Urban Risk Lab, and the deep engagement with providers, families and survivors. 26:32 – James explains the historical nexus of EMS with HEW/HHS and why the Humphrey Building plaza offers the right reverence, proximity to the Capitol and connection to EMS history. 29:01 – Tony and James discuss next steps: reauthorization first, then finalizing site and design to approach major sponsors with clear answers on location, look and cost — while acknowledging the project has been bootstrapped so far. 32:03 – Tony reassures donors: the Foundation is a 501(c)(3), the board are all volunteers with only necessary professional services paid from donations. 33:13 – Tony gives shout-outs to the National EMS Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and explains how the three organizations' missions align. 37:12 – Rob recaps the journey, reinforces the call to action, and closes the show with thanks to Tony and James and a reminder to visit EMSMemorial.org and like/subscribe to EMS One-Stop. Rate & 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.

Recorded on the floor of the EMS|MC EMSpire Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, this episode of EMS One-Stop finds host Rob Lawrence in conversation with long-time collaborator and EMS advocate Matt Zavadsky. Fresh off the longest federal government shutdown in history, Rob and Matt unpack what the hyper-turbulence in Washington really means for EMS: suspended Medicare extenders, disrupted grant programs, agencies taking out loans just to meet payroll and training programs put on hold. They break down NAEMT's flash poll on the shutdown's impact, the promise of the Treatment in Place (TIP) legislation, and why associations “hunting as a pack” on Capitol Hill matters more than ever. Along the way, they spotlight EMSIntel.org as a national barometer of EMS funding, staffing and response time crises, and issue a clear call to action for providers, billers and leaders to use association tools to contact their members of Congress. | MORE: Government reopens: What EMS providers need to know right now In the second half, Rob is joined by Dr. Shannon Gollnick, paramedic, EMS leader and organizational psychologist, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping EMS — right now. Shannon makes the case that AI is “not the future; it is the present,” and that agency leaders must urgently build literacy, policies and guardrails around its use. They dig into the difference between HIPAA-compliant, embedded AI in ePCR systems, and risky open tools like ChatGPT, touching on hallucinations, embedded code and emerging Medicare fraud-detection programs. | MORE: Artificial to augmented intelligence. How Dr. Shannon Gollnick wants EMS to work smarter, not harder Rob and Shannon talk about AI as a powerful but potentially dangerous tool — “like having a tiger” — and outline practical steps for chiefs: Ask: “Do we have an AI policy?” Define what AI can and cannot be used for Insist that every AI-generated work product is double-checked by a human before it hits the record Memorable quotes “We weren't here to actually scare you off it. We're here to let you know that it's here, but it's like having a tiger, right? We all love to have a tiger, but it has to be contained in some sort of guard, otherwise it's going to run rife and cause havoc, and we don't want that.” — Rob Lawrence “This is part of the hyper-turbulence that's occurring in EMS right now.” — Matt Zavadsky “So I think the message for the profession right now is, now is not the time to put your foot on the brake. It's time to put your foot on the gas.” — Matt Zavadsky “We put the fun into function.” — Dr. Shannon Gollnick “I think it's important to understand that AI is not the future. It is the present. We are currently here right now. And it's nothing to be afraid of.” — Dr. Shannon Gollnick “If you're not doing it, I promise you that your staff is doing it and they're playing around with AI.” — Dr. Shannon Gollnick “Guardrails don't exist from a congressional standpoint. They don't exist from a regulatory standpoint. The technology is moving far too fast. So we as agency leaders have to take the lead in putting up some of those guardrails.” — Dr. Shannon Gollnick “There are ePCR software out there that are using proprietary AI that will use AI-generated narratives. And that absolutely is 100% good to go. What we don't want to see is our crews putting in their ChatGPT to have ChatGPT write their narrative.” — Dr. Shannon Gollnick “ChatGPT has embedded code inside of it that you can't see, but that code is there ... so what we're kind of afraid to do is to say, hey, what happens 6 months from now, 8 months from now when Medicare does an audit, they run your ePCRs and find all of this embedded code from ChatGPT ... you open yourself up for a lot of compliance issues.” — Dr. Shannon Gollnick Additional resources: EMS Intel EMS News Tracker American Ambulance Association Advocacy NAEMT Advocacy EMS shutdown survival: What leaders need to know now Charting the future: How AI is rewriting the EMS narrative Episode timeline: 00:21 – Rob introduces guest Matt Zavadsky 02:02 – Rob recaps the 40-plus-day federal government shutdown, questions about reopening, and his upcoming return to Capitol Hill for renewed advocacy 02:02 – Matt frames the shutdown as part of the “hyper turbulence” in EMS; explains the regulatory suspensions, pauses in Medicare extenders and grants, and how cash-flow uncertainty forced some agencies to take out loans just to make payroll 03:04 – Matt details NAEMT's flash poll (408 agency responses) showing suspended training and grant-funded programs, and warns of a possible repeat shutdown around January 30 03:54 – Rob and Matt discuss the reopening of government, ongoing bipartisan work, and the risk that everything “comes to a grinding halt” again if Congress can't agree 04:51 – Matt explains why NAEMT released the shutdown-impact poll even as government reopened and stresses the need to keep pushing for permanent relief from Medicare extenders and advancement of key bills like Treatment in Place (TIP) 06:03 – Matt outlines the House and Senate TIP companion bills and why Medicare paying for treatment in place is better for patients, EMS, the health system and the Medicare trust fund 06:54 – Rob notes broad association/provider support and professional lobbyists on the Hill; Matt stresses that field providers, administrators and billers must still use association legislative portals to send letters to Congress 08:08 – Matt describes a surge in communities reevaluating their EMS delivery models because of staffing, finance and subsidy challenges — “a great time to be an EMS consultant” 09:09 – Rob introduces EMSIntel.org as a curated clearinghouse of EMS news, used to show communities they aren't alone; describes failed tax measures and funding referenda 10:15 – Matt cites EMS Intel data: ~85% of stories each month involve funding, staffing or response times; Rob and Matt stress the ubiquity of these themes from big cities to small towns 11:09 – Rob highlights mutual aid tensions and taxpayers questioning why they “pay to send our resources somewhere else;” both emphasize that hyper-turbulence and funding gaps are national issues 13:23 – Rob resets the scene from the EMSpire conference and recaps Matt's Hill update before introducing Dr. Shannon Gollnick 14:41 – Shannon gives his backstory: in EMS since 1996, paramedic since 2002, progression into EMS leadership, doctorate in organizational psychology and focus on how organizations function 15:14 – “We put the fun into function.” 15:24 – Rob invites Shannon to talk AI, calling it “the specter we are embracing everywhere,” and references HIPAA concerns; Shannon opens with the core message: AI is not the future, it's the present, and nothing to be afraid of 16:03 – Shannon urges leaders to build AI literacy, noting that if agencies aren't using it, their staff and the younger generation already are 16:28 – Shannon emphasizes policy and procedure: AI guardrails aren't coming from Congress or regulators, so agency leaders must define how AI will be used and where its limits are 16:55 – Rob reminds listeners that AI in EMS isn't new, citing early monitor rhythm interpretation in the UK; Shannon underscores that crews already use AI tools and that unmanaged cut-and-paste practices can create billing and compliance risks 17:24 – Shannon explains the dangers of using open tools like ChatGPT for ePCR narratives: potential PHI exposure in a “black box” system and AI hallucinations generating plausible but false patient information 18:21 – Shannon describes how AI “wants to answer your question and make you happy,” leading to made-up details, and shares examples from testing minimal-input scenarios that returned overly detailed, inaccurate narratives. 19:03 – Shannon calls ChatGPT “kind of a snitch,” explaining embedded code markers that fraud detection tools — and increasingly Medicare's AI-based “Wiser” program — can use to identify AI-written content in documentation 19:59 – Shannon warns about retrospective audits and compliance exposure if ChatGPT-coded narratives are found in ePCRs, noting that AI rules are still emerging and tech is outrunning regulation 20:51 – Rob summarizes the mixed message: AI is here and being built into devices and software, but there are real dangers. They discuss data going “to the cloud” — which Shannon defines as “somebody else's computer.” 21:24 – Shannon frames AI as a powerful tool that can “put a lot of holes in the wall” if misused; he references fraudulent AI uses and deepfakes as emerging issues 22:05 – Shannon compares AI's impact to the internet's paradigm shift; Rob gives a “spoiler alert” about his own workflow using transcripts and ChatGPT agents, and notes the importance of reading and checking any AI-generated output 22:45 – Shannon reinforces that AI makes mistakes and cannot understand human context; he uses his “How you doing?” Joey Tribbiani vs. Tony Soprano example to illustrate contextual nuance 23:06 – Rob expands the context point with the “Friends”/“Sopranos” slide and reminds listeners that once AI-written words are published, “you said it.” Shannon highlights the WebMD effect and AI-driven self-diagnosis risks. 24:02 – They note that ChatGPT can generate long, complex diagnoses without sufficient patient context, leading to errant or misleading outcomes if misused clinically 25:00 – Rob summarizes: AI is here and, used correctly, is a good thing; advises chiefs to ask their teams, “Do we have an AI policy?” 25:27 – Shannon outlines what an AI policy should contain: acknowledgment that AI is here; clear, non-fearful framing; specificity on what decisions AI can support; and clarity on which tools (e.g., embedded EPCR AI) are allowed versus prohibited uses of ChatGPT 26:17 – Shannon stresses AI should not be used for clinical decision-making or clinical narrative writing; its role should be administrative only, and all outputs must be double-checked Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest a guest for a future episode. 

What if EMS educators placed as much focus on emotional intelligence, empathy, and reflective practice as they do knowledge and skills? Listen in as hosts Maia Dorsett, Hilary Gates and Rob Lawrence talk with Liz Harney, quality assurance leader at Baptist Health in Kentucky and former paramedic program director, to explore the often-overlooked affective domain of EMS education.  Liz shares how her frustration with the neglect of the affective domain inspired her to transform her own EMS instruction—bringing emotion, awareness, and humanity into every case study, scenario, and clinical rotation. From teaching students to manage bias and self-regulate under pressure, to modeling vulnerability and connection as educators, this conversation reveals how intentional focus on the affective domain can elevate not only patient care, but also the well-being and longevity of EMS clinicians. As Liz says, teaching the affective domain can help your students "choose the version of themselves they want to walk into a room." Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Mentioned in the episode: Bloom's Taxonomy for cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains: https://www.astate.edu/a/assessment/assessment-resource-links/files/Revised-Bloom%20s-Taxonomy-All-Domains.pdf Rob's story about the hypothermic man on a bench: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/20700524.hoodie-heroes-commended/ Addressing Bias in Patient Care:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addressing-bias-in-patient-care-part-1-of-2/id1573326528?i=1000565780169 The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.