Podcast appearances and mentions of rob lawrence

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

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

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

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

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

Guest host Rob Lawrence joins Kelly Grayson to reflect on the recent EMS on the Hill Day. Rob offers a behind-the-scenes look at his experience leading the California delegation and provides insights into how EMS professionals can influence policy on issues like Medicare reimbursement, community paramedicine and workforce development. Kelly questions whether EMS on the Hill Day efforts actually drive change, while Rob defends the impact of consistent grassroots advocacy. The episode highlights key legislation, including expanded telemedicine and veteran recruitment into EMS, and makes the case for staying politically engaged to secure the future of the profession. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting to engage in the political side of EMS, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of the stakes — and the power of your voice. Key quotes "Our national associations are now hunting as a pack, which is a good thing." — Rob Lawrence "You can be at the mercy of EMS politics, or you can learn to play EMS politics and affect the outcome." — Kelly Grayson "All politics is local, and we all have a voice. More importantly, we all have a story." — Rob Lawrence "Politics is made of people who show up." — Kelly Grayson Timeline 01:02 – Rob discusses his recent travels and involvement in EMS on the Hill 01:45 – Rob explains what EMS on the Hill is and how it works 03:11 – Rob shares his thoughts on the bipartisan support for EMS legislation 06:05 – Kelly asks about the amount of time spent with legislators 09:02 – Rob highlights his meeting with Representative Eric Swalwell 10:28 – Kelly expresses skepticism about EMS Week and EMS on the Hill 12:10 – Rob responds to Kelly's skepticism about EMS advocacy 14:00 – Rob discusses key bills on Medicare reimbursement and community paramedicine 16:06 – Rob shares details about the bills being presented this year 20:01 – Rob talks about workforce development and veteran recruitment initiatives 22:01 – Rob and Kelly discuss EMS advocacy and the importance of grassroots involvement 25:36 – Rob explains the EMS caucus and invites listeners to get involved 28:20 – Rob concludes the podcast, urging listeners to advocate for EMS and engage in political processes Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you'd like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, co-host Kelly Grayson is joined by international guest host Rob Lawrence for a candid and timely conversation on one of the most pressing issues in EMS today: fatigue and its impact on provider safety and wellness. The discussion begins with a heartbreaking story out of Georgia, where a nurse, after working consecutive night shifts, fell asleep at the wheel, leading to a fatal crash. It's a tragic reminder of the very real risks that come with long hours, disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue in healthcare—and EMS is no exception. Kelly and Rob reflect on their own experiences with sleep deprivation, shift work and the toll it takes on performance, decision-making and personal safety. They dive into the need for fatigue management policies, smarter shift scheduling, and how EMS leaders can — and must — prioritize provider health. Timeline 00:00 - 00:05: Rob introduces himself as the international correspondent for Inside EMS, stepping in for Chris Cebollero. 00:05 - 00:33: Kelly and Rob discuss the swap between Chris and Rob, along with their roles in the EMS community, providing context for the conversation. 00:33 - 03:10: Rob and Kelly discuss the tragic accident in Forsyth County, Georgia, where a nurse fell asleep behind the wheel after a night shift. They reflect on the broader issue of fatigue in healthcare professions. 03:10 - 07:01: Kelly shares his personal experience with fatigue, recounting instances of feeling like a "zombie" after long shifts and the dangers of working extended hours. 07:01 - 10:35: Rob and Kelly dive into the challenges of managing fatigue in EMS, the ongoing debate about shift lengths, and the need for policies to improve rest and working conditions. 10:35 - 12:23: The hosts discuss the importance of leadership in managing fatigue, with Rob emphasizing the need for downtime between shifts. 12:23 - 15:02: Kelly talks about his previous employer's fatigue mitigation policies and how they ensured safety through workload monitoring, proper shift lengths, and adequate pay. 15:02 - 18:00: Rob reflects on his work in California, including meetings with lawmakers to address EMS workforce issues during EMS Week. 18:00 - 23:07: The hosts discuss the systemic issues that contribute to fatigue, including poor wages, long shifts, and the overall working conditions in EMS. They conclude with a call to action for better policies and leadership to ensure the well-being of EMS professionals. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you'd like to join us as a guest.

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

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

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

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

It was special to sit down with Ian Farrant as he was a director of The New Zealand Salmon Company which is the reason our family moved here in 1989 as my Father is a marine biologist and we came here for that job.   We start with Ian's early childhood memories which includes war rations in the 1940s, growing up in Dunedin, his studies and early career and then we talk abou this governance roles over the years and what he has learned as a director of around 40 entities over the years. If you like this then why not tell one other person about the show, and post a link to the episode on social media - it takes about a minute but really helps others find it! Related episodes: Peter Townsend interview https://theseeds.nz/podcast/peter-townsend-on-business-leadership/  Rob Lawrence interview https://theseeds.nz/podcast/rob-lawrence-reflections-on-life-at-retirement/  More info is at www.theseeds.nz 

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

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

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

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

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

How do EMS clinicians process the trauma they witness daily—and how can they be better supported? In this episode of The EMS Educator podcast, hosts Rob Lawrence, Hilary Gates and Maia Dorsett explore the critical topic of trauma stewardship with guest Ronit Reguer, the first behavioral health coordinator for DC Fire and EMS. Together, they unpack the challenges of emotional resilience, the importance of proactive mental health care, and the cultural shifts shaping the future of first responder support. Ronit shares her experiences implementing innovative wellness initiatives, from peer support programs to “Wellness Wednesdays,” and offers powerful insights on addressing trauma before it leads to burnout. Whether you're an EMS clinician, educator, or leader, this episode delivers vital lessons on fostering a culture of care that ensures long and meaningful careers as well as healthy humans. Mentioned in the episode: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky https://traumastewardship.com/inside-the-book/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." 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. This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life.  Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

Want more advice about how to effectively create EMS credentialing programs for your learners? In the latest episode of the EMS Educator Podcast, join hosts Rob Lawrence, Hilary Gates, and Maia Dorsett for a dynamic conversation with guests Dr. Jeremy Cushman and Shane O'Donnell. They dive into the intricacies of their successful educational program that trains EMS clinicians for specialty care transport (SCT). Jeremy and Shane discuss how to conduct needs assessments, perform gap analyses, and build learner-centered education models tailored to your system's unique demands. From psychomotor skill validation to fostering clinical acumen, this episode offers actionable insights for EMS educators and leaders. Whether you're refining an existing program or starting from scratch, this episode is packed with lessons and strategies to enhance EMS education and elevate patient care. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." 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. This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life.  Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

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

How should EMS educators expand their reach beyond the classroom? Prodigy's new Associate Medical Director of Pediatrics Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, MD, MPH, FAAP shares her profound dedication to public health education and CPR training in Pittsburgh's community and beyond. Join hosts Rob Lawrence, Hilary Gates, and Maia Dorsett as they discuss Sylvia's life-saving training of University of Pittsburgh athletes to discussing her global initiatives, including her impactful work in Ghana. The hosts highlight critical disparities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest responses and emphasize the importance of community-specific interventions. This episode explores how educators can expand their reach and provides practical insights for anyone aiming to become a force multiplier in public health. Listen in for inspiration and actionable tips to foster life-saving skills within your community. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Bonus content: Rob interviews Jon Needle, Community Response Manager of the East of England Ambulance NHS Trust about the unique ways that our friends across the pond leverage their community members. Mentioned in the episode: Pitt Center for Cardiac Arrest Survival Ellie Breech saves her father's life with CPR Damar Hamlin's 3 for Heart Challenge Akoma United Disparities in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest  East of England Ambulance 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. This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life.  Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube & IG.  

The National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA) was honored as this year's prestigious Nicholas Rosecrans Award winner for their exceptional work on the Lights and Sirens Collaborative. NEMSQA's initiative has been pivotal in reducing the risks associated with the use of lights and sirens in emergency medical services, improving safety for EMS providers and the public while maintaining high standards of patient care. Live from the EMS World Expo 2024 exhibit hall floor in Las Vegas, Mike McCabe hosts a roundtable with Mike Taigman, Brooke Burton, Jeff Jarvis, Lynn Artz and Rob Lawrence to learn more about the Nicholas Rosecrans Award and this year's winner.

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

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

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

Welcome to this special crossover edition of EMS One Stop and Inside EMS, recorded live at the EMS World Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Hosted by Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero, this episode features insightful discussions with Dr. Ray Barashansky and Tracy Loscar, EMS Deputy Director at Matanuska-Susitna (MatSu) Borough Department of Emergency Services, Alaska. The episode covers key themes such as leadership development, emotional intelligence in EMS, and the importance of mentorship programs like "Stand and Deliver," aimed at cultivating the next generation of EMS speakers. Memorable quotes “The next generation of EMS leaders is here, and it's our responsibility to pass the torch with the lessons we've learned." — Rob Lawrence “We need to stop staying siloed. Growth happens when we learn from each other's experiences and different perspectives.” — Chris Cebollero “Designating EMS as an essential service is critical, but without form, function, and funding, it's just words on a page.” — Dr. Ray Barashansky “Stand and Deliver is about giving everyone a chance to step up, present their ideas, and get real-time feedback from experienced national speakers." — Tracy Loscar Highlights Leadership Transition in EMS. The influx of new attendees at the Expo reflects the need to develop the next generation of EMS leaders. Rob and Chris highlight the importance of passing the torch to younger EMS professionals. Emotional intelligence in EMS. Dr. Ray Barashansky emphasizes how emotional intelligence impacts supervisors and leaders in EMS. He discusses his presentation on this topic, sharing insights on how emotional intelligence can shape better leaders. Stand and Deliver Program. Tracy Loscar introduces the "Stand and Deliver" initiative, a program that identifies and mentors emerging EMS speakers, offering real-time feedback from national experts. EMS as an essential service. Dr. Barashansky discusses his recent editorial about EMS being recognized as an essential service and the need for formal structure, funding and legislative support to ensure its sustainability. Mentorship and learning from each other. The hosts and guests stress the importance of learning from one another, breaking silos within EMS, and continuously evolving as professionals through shared experiences. ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com.

Ginger Locke, newly-minted Prodigy teammate and host of the "Medic Mindset" podcast joins The EMS Educator podcast as co-host. She highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." We then dive into Ginger's EMS origin story and her ideas about the future of EMS education. Alongside Hilary Gates, Rob Lawrence, and Maia Dorsett, Ginger explores key aspects of creating a positive learning environment in EMS education. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of EMS education, being a learner in our information-rich environment, data-driven customization of continuing education (CE), and the integration of new tools and technologies into practice. 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. This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life.  Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube & IG.

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

The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety. As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived experience to a historical event, making it essential for public safety professionals to ensure that the lessons identified are not only remembered, but actively applied in today's ever-evolving emergency response environment. In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Cohosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders. To learn more, visit verizon.com/frontline.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders. To learn more, visit verizon.com/frontline. The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety. As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived experience to a historical event, making it essential for public safety professionals to ensure that the lessons identified are not only remembered, but actively applied in today's ever-evolving emergency response environment. In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Co-hosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today.

What is belonging? Why is this critical for learning? In this episode, hosts Rob Lawrence and Dr. Maia Dorsett welcome expert guests, Dan Batsie, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Vermont; Dr. Heather Davis, Director of Assessment, UCLA School of Medicine, also taskforce chair of the IDEA Taskforce; and Ginger Locke, Prodigy's newest team member (also Associate Professor of EMS Professions at Austin Community College). Collectively they discuss the essential role that belonging plays in education, professional development, and organizational culture. Tune in to explore how to create inclusive environments that encourage connection, trust, and teamwork. We also took a moment to honor and congratulate Prodigy's Medical Director, Dr. Dorsett on being recognized as the NAEMT EMS Medical Director of the Year 2024. We couldn't be more proud of Maia on this achievement.   Resources IDEA for EMS: The IDEA Task Force was created to identify actionable ways to prevent and eliminate systemic racism and inequality and promote diversity and inclusion in the EMS community, including the National Registry. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from the EMS community and is led by the Chair of the National Registry of EMTs Board of Directors. Visit: Home | IDEA for EMS Preceptor Training Videos: Prodigy is excited to release this series of preceptor videos in partnership with the NREMT IDEA taskforce. These are free for you to use in your own preceptor training. These videos are intended to be used as part of your preceptor training or education program. We will continue to release more videos on this page as they become available. If you are using them in your own training, please give credit to Prodigy EMS and the NREMT IDEA task force. Videos should be used in whole and not edited. Visit: https://marketing.prodigyems.com/preceptor-nremt NAEMT EMS Medical Director of the Year Award:  Maia Dorsett, MD, PhD, Rochester, New York 2024, sponsored by Bound Tree. Visit: https://www.naemt.org/docs/default-source/media-docs/naemt-press-releases/2024/2024-national-ems-awards-of-excellence-recipients-8-17-24v2.pdf?sfvrsn=6b6bf193_3 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. This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life.  Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube & IG.  

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders. To learn more, visit verizon. com/frontline. The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety. As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived experience to a historical event, making it essential for public safety professionals to ensure that the lessons identified are not only remembered, but actively applied in today's ever-evolving emergency response environment. In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, co-hosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today.

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

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

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

What an action-packed, "star-studded"  episode this turned out to be!   Special guests included: The EMS 20/20 Show hosts, Chris and Spencer, Dr. Mike Levy, Dr. Ron Roth, Oregon Representative Dacia Graber, Rob Lawrence, NAEMSP President, Dr. Jose Cabanas, Dr. Ben Abo, Dr. Frank Guyette, Dr. Jeff Jarvis, Joseph Zalkin and a hat tip to Miranda Franco from Holland and Knight who was on but we had some tech issues.   WOWOWOWOW! Thanks for spending some of your time with us to honor EMS providers during EMS Week 2024!

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

GPPR Health Policy Senior Podcast Editor Jazlyn Gallego (MPM '24) speaks with Rob Lawrence, Executive Director of the California Ambulance Association and Director of Strategic Implementation for PRO EMS. In this podcast, Lawrence reflects on the existence of ambulance deserts that have been recently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

"Most of the time we're not listening, really listening. We're actually just thinking, what do I want to say next or what shall I say next? And just listening for the odd word or phrase that we need to hear in order to meaningfully respond in a way that satisfies us." Rob Lawrence   Rob Lawrence and I talk about the power of sound, the art of listening, and the journey of discovering and living one's truth. We delve into how our truths can be buried under societal expectations and the significance of listening — to both our inner selves and others — in uncovering and aligning with our truths. We also touch on the power of sound beyond its conventional appreciation, highlighting Rob's deep connection with sound and its impact on him. Rob shares insights from his personal journey, including a pivotal choice. He also talks about his podcast 'Inspirational Creatives,' its evolution, and his passion for collaboration and helping others find their voice and truth.    Rob Lawrence is a qualified audio producer, author, podcaster and certified coach who helps creative entrepreneurs, high-achieving professionals and business leaders embrace the power of sound to broadcast messages worth listening to. As an audio production coach, he helps his clients hear the meaning and messages beyond their words, before helping them use technology and broadcasting tools to guide their audiences into powerful explorations, dialogues and conversations of the topics that matter most to them. Prior to this Rob had a 21-year career in Information Technology and audio production, led award-winning teams and helped revolutionise communications for major European and Australasian corporations and brands.   Connect with Rob On LinkedIn Through his website   Resources Mentioned Inspirational Creatives Podcast

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

In this week's episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero and guest host Rob Lawrence delve into the dynamics of EMS leadership, legislative challenges and the pursuit of better reimbursement practices for EMS services. The conversation also digs into EMS on the Hill Day and how providers can impact legislation through advocacy. Memorable quotes "We say, 'When is someone going to do something?' And really, the charge is, 'When is everyone going to step up and do something?'" — Chris Cebollero "We have to battle hard to increase our reimbursement, which therefore equates to income, which therefore equates to wages. It's not a case about we all want to go home in a Rolls-Royce.” — Rob Lawrence "To get things done in EMS, we actually have to be good at convincing our locally elected officials." — Rob Lawrence "The power of the folk out there, when they put their uniform on, when they get in front of these elected officials, is absolute." — Rob Lawrence This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

How do you know that your teaching is effective?  We asked Tom Grawey, D.O., who is  Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Medical College of Wisconsin, EMS Medical Director for Gateway Technical College, and Assistant Medical Director,  Milwaukee County OEM.  He said, "I thought what I was teaching would actually change behavior.  I was later surprised to see it wasn't happening." Hosts Maia Dorsett, Rob Lawrence and Hilary Gates discuss with Tom how to solve education problems with education, teach to your learner's values and teach to change, not to disseminate knowledge. Mentioned in this episode: Tom Grawey, DO https://twitter.com/EMtgDO Nancy Duarte: Resonate How to Write Learning Objectives The Affective Domain of Education The EMS Educator will publish on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops! This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life.  Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube & IG.

EMS World Expo celebrated its 35th anniversary in New Orleans in September 2023, and the best and brightest in the profession were there for the festivities as always. But this year had extra tangible energy among the attendees, the presenters and the exhibitors. EMS World Editorial Advisory Board Member Rob Lawrence has been integral to the continued growth, momentum and prominence of the event through the years. In this interview recorded on the Expo floor, Rob talks with podcast host Mike McCabe about the origins, evolution and future of what he calls “the biggest and the best EMS conference in the country, if not the world.”

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

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

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

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. “My first reaction was, what the hell. My second reaction was, well, I guess if there's not going to be any participation agreement, then we're not bound by confidentiality anymore, and I'll just email the Booz Allen presentation to every member of Congress, and say, ‘here's the savings to the Medicare program, please pass the TIP and TAD language. And I honestly think we should do that, and we probably will.” — Matt Zavadsky In this crossover episode of Inside EMS and EMS One-Stop, Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, EMT, chief transformation officer at MedStar Mobile Healthcare (an ET3 participant), joins cohosts Chris Cebollero and Rob Lawrence to discuss the recently announced end of the ET3 program. Top quotes from this episode “That must be a mistake … I was just dumbfounded, absolutely dumbfounded.” — Matt Zavadsky “We can't stop this – we've got to continue to move this along somehow and ensure that we're still doing the things we need to do for our patients.” — Chris Cebollero “Continue to do what you do while we try to sort out this mess, because we thought we were on the right route, and then someone's now put out a roadblock, so we have to work out how to detour or indeed knock it down. Keep up the good work while we try to work out how to get around this.” — Rob Lawrence “We as a profession cannot let this be the final word.” — Matt Zavadsky In addition to why CMS didn't see the savings they were anticipating, and the hoops agencies had to jump through to participate in the ET3 program, the group focuses on what's next for reimbursement reform. Together, they discuss: How the national associations (NAEMT, AAA, IAFC, IAFF) are working to get legislation introduced in Congress to get treatment in place and transport to alternate destinations (TIP and TAD) covered The need for data from organizations that participated in the ET3 model that proves the cost savings Admittance avoidance vs. arrival avoidance at the ED Turning frustration with Medicare into action Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you'd like to join us as a guest.

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