Podcast appearances and mentions of rob lawrence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence revisits an issue close to the heart of every EMS professional: creating a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. Rob is joined by Tony O'Brien and James Robinson from the National EMS Memorial Foundation to provide a clear, candid update on where the project stands, why it matters, and what still needs to be done. From the Weekend of Remembrance to the dream of a year-round place of solace and reverence in the nation's capital, this conversation lays out the long road from idea to reality — and why EMS, as James puts it, truly deserves this. Tony and James walk listeners through the 24-step federal Commemorative Works Act process, the hard work of narrowing 312 potential sites down to three, and the current push to reauthorize the Foundation's federal authority through House Resolution 2196 and Senate Bill 2546. They explain the preferred site in front of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building (HHS), the partnership with MIT's School of Architecture and Urban Risk Lab on a powerful design, and the practical realities of funding, sponsorship and bureaucracy. Most importantly, they end with a clear call to action for the EMS community: contact your elected officials, donate what you can, and help spread the word so that a permanent memorial to EMS can finally take its place in Washington, D.C. Additional resources EMS Memorial EMS Memorial Bills: HR 2196  S2546  2025 National EMS Weekend of Honor recognizes 29 fallen EMS workers ‘Never forgotten': 2025 Moving Honors procession honors 29 EMS providers lost in the line of duty Episode timeline 00:44 – Rob introduces the episode, sets the scene for a revisit of the National EMS Memorial effort, and welcomes guests Tony O'Brien and James Robinson. 01:30 – Tony and James share their backstories. 03:53 – Tony explains the origins of the Foundation at the Weekend of Remembrance/Weekend of Honor and the realization that EMS needs a permanent memorial people can visit year-round. 06:54 – James outlines the Commemorative Works Act, the 24-step process, and how the Foundation has reached step 15-16 over roughly 15 years. 07:54 – Tony details the grueling site-selection work: visiting 312 sites, environmental and noise studies, traffic and solitude considerations, and narrowing to three candidate locations. 10:48 – James describes the need for an Act of Congress to begin, Congressman Stephen Lynch's early sponsorship, and the 2018 authorization that started a 7-year clock — complicated by the pandemic and federal shutdowns. 13:12 – Tony explains how the initial authorization expired, the need for reauthorization and the most recent Senate subcommittee hearing on federal lands where James testified. 16:41 – James and Tony frame the new bills: Senate Bill 2546 and House Resolution 2196, their bipartisan sponsors and the push for more co-sponsors. 19:49 – Tony lays out the three-point call to action: contact Congress, donate via EMSMemorial.org, and follow/share @EMSMemorial on social media. 23:06 – Tony describes the three remaining sites and why Independence Ave. & 3rd St SW, in front of HHS, is the preferred location. 24:42 – Tony highlights the pro-bono design work by MIT's School of Architecture and Urban Risk Lab, and the deep engagement with providers, families and survivors. 26:32 – James explains the historical nexus of EMS with HEW/HHS and why the Humphrey Building plaza offers the right reverence, proximity to the Capitol and connection to EMS history. 29:01 – Tony and James discuss next steps: reauthorization first, then finalizing site and design to approach major sponsors with clear answers on location, look and cost — while acknowledging the project has been bootstrapped so far. 32:03 – Tony reassures donors: the Foundation is a 501(c)(3), the board are all volunteers with only necessary professional services paid from donations. 33:13 – Tony gives shout-outs to the National EMS Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and explains how the three organizations' missions align. 37:12 – Rob recaps the journey, reinforces the call to action, and closes the show with thanks to Tony and James and a reminder to visit EMSMemorial.org and like/subscribe to EMS One-Stop. Rate & review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

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

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes Dr. Hezedean Smith, who spotlights the human and operational toll of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Dr. Smith draws from first-hand perspective from the ground, detailing catastrophic damage to homes, utilities, roads and communications — which compounded the workload and emotional burden for Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) firefighters and EMS providers. Dr. Smith highlighted the Brigade's Amazon Wish List effort, which aims to route essential personal items and operational supplies directly to affected JFB members and stations to sustain continuity of operations and support responders' families. After the break, Dr. Smith switched hats as the newly elected President of NEMSMA to outline the association's renewed momentum: New association management support Expanded member services and credentials The inaugural NEMSMA Leadership Conference The NEMSMA Leadership Conference will take place in Washington, D.C., March 23-24, 2026, intentionally adjacent to EMS on the Hill to create a leadership-plus-advocacy “two-fer.” Highlights include keynote Gen. Robert Neller (Ret.), plus a deep bench of EMS leaders and educators. Memorable quotes from Dr. Hezedean Smith “Many homes destroyed, utility systems interrupted, critical infrastructure in terms of communities having the ability to communicate, leaving thousands displaced, even fire stations having operational challenges as it relates to communication and interoperability ... ” “I stayed in the local fire station. I wanted to be there with the men and women on the ground, to make sure that I had that communication, that constant contact with them.” “My focus will be on the firefighters and ensuring that we get enough supplies to go directly to the firefighters.” “We want to tear down silos. We want to redefine leadership and ensure that we continue to collaborate across this globe.” Additional resources: Jamaica Fire Brigade – Amazon Wish List National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA) NEMSMA Leadership Conference: Washington, D.C., March 23-24, 2026 EMS on the Hill, March 25-26, 2026, Arlington, Virginia International Journal of Paramedicine EMS One-Stop: General Robert Neller on ethical leadership and adaptability Episode timeline: 00:46 – Quick industry/policy update 01:27 – Set-up: Hurricane Melissa overview; impact stats and current situation 02:12 – Welcome Dr. Hezedean Smith 02:26 – Dr. Smith's backstory: Jamaica roots, USAF medic, Orlando FD, two fire chief roles, GES Consulting, Caribbean EMS focus 04:20 – First reactions to Melissa: scale of damage; compounded human toll 05:58 – Deployment cadence: aligning with JFB command, CDEMA, national EOC; travel hurdles; rapid integration on arrival 08:28 – Why existing relationships matter; staying in-station with crews; supporting leaders and frontline needs 11:13 – Call to action: Amazon wish list for responders' personal and operational needs; distribution via JFB logistics 13:20 – Specific needs (PPE, boots, clothing, hygiene, basic medical supplies) and the ongoing recovery realities 17:46 – NEMSMA — new president, renewed energy, new AMC, who NEMSMA serves 20:14 – Board/leadership shout-outs; programs (FTEP, ACPE), member services, momentum 22:49 – Conference preview (Mar 23–24, 2026, D.C.): theme — disruptive leadership; Gen. Robert Neller keynote; speaker lineup; proximity to EMS on the Hill 26:29 – IJOP collaboration and research-to-podcast pipeline; communications and sponsorship improvements 28:29 – Closing thanks; unified call to support JFB and engage with NEMSMA initiatives 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.

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

From Medicare cuts to billing delays, Asbel Montes joins Rob Lawrence to share practical strategies EMS agencies can use to weather the reimbursement storm In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, we tackle the fast-moving realities of a federal shutdown and what it means for EMS finance, reimbursement and day-to-day operations. Rob Lawrence sits down with Solutions Group's Asbel Montes — a veteran of EMS reimbursement and policy expertise — to decode where Congress is (and isn't), what CMS's temporary claims hold really means, and how ambulance services can protect cash flow while preparing for potential reprocessing chaos if extenders aren't promptly restored. Beyond the headlines, Montes lays out a pragmatic playbook: build a Plan B for cash continuity, align with your billing team on reprocessing workflows, and model exposure across payers tied to the Medicare fee schedule. The conversation then widens to balance billing — why federal change is unlikely soon and why state-level action is delivering practical protections — before closing with leadership lessons on adaptation, data and telling EMS's story as a guide, not the hero. Memorable quotes from Asbel Montes “Our extender expired — that's that additional payment that we get from Medicare of that 2%, 3%, 22.6% — it expired September the 30th, and it was tied to the House-approved CR that went over to the Senate.” “We're solutions givers, as we say here at Solutions Group, not crisis managers. And if you have a plan, I can at least execute a plan.” “What turned out to be a smaller amount, now the cost associated with it, you started to really understand the complexities that really happened in people's AR.” “If this lasts longer than 15 days … then I would basically have a plan in place. So I would be trying to find out from my billing team … what is your contingency plan to ensure I don't see a hiccup in cash moving forward?” “The only way government can really invoke change is to make it hit where it hurts. And that's what's going on right now. They're hitting the pocketbook and our industry is grappling with it right now.” Additional resources Asbel Montes: The government shutdown's ripple effect on healthcare The Leadership Lab with Asbel Montes Episode timeline & key moments 00:21 – Why the shutdown matters to EMS reimbursement and operations 01:21 – Montes's 101: role at Solutions Group; 28 years in EMS finance and policy 02:40 – Historical context: number and length of shutdowns; current Hill outlook 03:48 – The ambulance extenders expired (2% urban, 3% rural, 22.6% super-rural); CMS claims hold window 05:03 – Planning posture: realistic timelines; “we're solutions givers, not crisis managers” 06:12 – Back-of-the-napkin math: short-term dollars vs. long-term reprocessing burden 07:43 – 2015–2016 déjà vu: retroactive fixes and the heavy lift for back-office AR 10:26 – Secondary impacts: VA eligibility, appeals, enrollments during a prolonged shutdown 11:11 – The “three-legged stool” for leaders: (1) have a plan with billing; (2) reconcile accounts & patient balances; (3) prevent cash-flow lag if more than15 days 14:06 – Framing the moment: “hurricane shutdown” response and recovery mindset 15:43 – Balance billing at the federal level: committee work, political pain and why movement is unlikely soon 18:19 – State action wins: consumer protections and access; examples of Medicare-indexed approaches 20:24 – Why ground ambulance stayed out of federal NSA; local regulation and state primacy 22:42 – “All politics are local”: using EMS's public visibility to advocate for patients and providers 23:09 – Adaptation over preservation: seize the 6-18 month window; let data and clinicians lead reform 27:13 – Lawrence's “Darwinism” takeaway: adaptation as survival 28:31 – The Leadership Lab podcast: purpose, cadence and upcoming guests; Montes's leadership journey 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.

What lies ahead for CRE? We continue our Private Markets Outlook series with a discussion featuring two of our portfolio managers, Jason Landon (equity) and Rob Lawrence (credit). They join Research team members Andrew Korz and Alan Flannigan to share how major shifts in CRE are playing out on the ground. The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features special guests and portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Subscribe and stay tuned for more. Have a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.To watch the video version, go to https://www.youtube.com/@futurestandard_fs For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, our host, Rob Lawrence, sits down with Hollywood actor Rainn Wilson, who stars as Randy in “Code 3.” Known worldwide for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office, Wilson has stepped into the world of EMS, portraying the life of a burned-out paramedic with both grit and humor. In the conversation, Wilson reflects on the process of bringing this story to life, his ride-along experiences in Los Angeles, and the powerful realities he uncovered about our profession. More than just a performance, Rainn has become an unexpected advocate for EMS. He speaks candidly about the underfunding of frontline providers, the emotional toll of the work and the sheer humanity that comes with being welcomed into people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. Alongside the serious themes, he reminds us that Code 3 is also a comedy — one that captures the gallows humor, camaraderie and resilience medics carry with them on every shift. | MORE: Why ‘Code 3' might be the most honest EMS film yet. From a ticking salary counter to fourth-wall confessions, this EMS road movie isn't just another Hollywood take. It's a love letter, a warning and a mirror. Memorable quotes from Rainn Wilson “Most of all, I just fell in love with the character of Randy.” “Bottom line, the fact that first responders are getting basically what people that work at Starbucks are getting paid really blew my mind.” “Well, one thing I never thought of, maybe stupidly so, is how vulnerable everything is because you're going into people's homes and they're in crisis.” “I think Rob, no one should be allowed to graduate from high school without their kind of basic CPR training.” “Everything about EMS — the tone, the vibe, the gallows humor, certainly all the technical medical elements, the burnout, the camaraderie, the idea that there's a mission here — they do it because they love it.” “Well, it was an honor to learn about this world and to make a movie that these workers are excited about and proud of.” “I want to say from the bottom of my heart, you know, ‘thank you. Thank you for your work. And, you know, I think it's grossly underappreciated, but, you know, America needs you.'” Episode timeline 00:26 – Rainn Wilson on the vulnerability of entering people's homes in crisis 00:57 – “All we want to do is save your life. Some of you don't make it easy.” 02:53 – Rainn's first impressions of the “Code 3” script 03:38 – Falling in love with the character of Randy 04:22 – Discovering the realities of EMS work and shocking pay disparities 06:09 – Lessons from Wilson's Los Angeles ride-along 10:12 – Wilson on CPR training and why everyone should learn it 12:29 – “We're essentially a tube and a pump.” 13:11 – Rehearsals and the importance of portraying EMS medicine accurately 15:09 – On burnout, PTSD and the need to support medics' mental health 18:08 – Using “Code 3” salary comparison as an advocacy tool 19:07 – Wilson praises Rob Riggle's ED doctor role and its realism 20:41 – Cherishing the chance to shed light on EMS 21:10 – Reminder that the film is also a comedy — “a good old time with a bucket of popcorn” 22:25 – Final message: “America needs you. Keep saving lives.” 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.

Editor's Note: Enjoy this bonus episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast featuring special guest Rainn Wilson.  In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, our host, Rob Lawrence, sits down with Hollywood actor Rainn Wilson, who stars as Randy in “Code 3.” Known worldwide for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office, Wilson has stepped into the world of EMS, portraying the life of a burned-out paramedic with both grit and humor. In the conversation, Wilson reflects on the process of bringing this story to life, his ride-along experiences in Los Angeles, and the powerful realities he uncovered about our profession. More than just a performance, Rainn has become an unexpected advocate for EMS. He speaks candidly about the underfunding of frontline providers, the emotional toll of the work and the sheer humanity that comes with being welcomed into people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. Alongside the serious themes, he reminds us that Code 3 is also a comedy — one that captures the gallows humor, camaraderie and resilience medics carry with them on every shift. | MORE: Why ‘Code 3' might be the most honest EMS film yet. From a ticking salary counter to fourth-wall confessions, this EMS road movie isn't just another Hollywood take. It's a love letter, a warning and a mirror. Memorable quotes from Rainn Wilson “Most of all, I just fell in love with the character of Randy.” “Bottom line, the fact that first responders are getting basically what people that work at Starbucks are getting paid really blew my mind.” “Well, one thing I never thought of, maybe stupidly so, is how vulnerable everything is because you're going into people's homes and they're in crisis.” “I think Rob, no one should be allowed to graduate from high school without their kind of basic CPR training.” “Everything about EMS — the tone, the vibe, the gallows humor, certainly all the technical medical elements, the burnout, the camaraderie, the idea that there's a mission here — they do it because they love it.” “Well, it was an honor to learn about this world and to make a movie that these workers are excited about and proud of.” “I want to say from the bottom of my heart, you know, ‘thank you. Thank you for your work. And, you know, I think it's grossly underappreciated, but, you know, America needs you.'” Episode timeline 00:26 – Rainn Wilson on the vulnerability of entering people's homes in crisis 00:57 – “All we want to do is save your life. Some of you don't make it easy.” 02:53 – Rainn's first impressions of the “Code 3” script 03:38 – Falling in love with the character of Randy 04:22 – Discovering the realities of EMS work and shocking pay disparities 06:09 – Lessons from Wilson's Los Angeles ride-along 10:12 – Wilson on CPR training and why everyone should learn it 12:29 – “We're essentially a tube and a pump.” 13:11 – Rehearsals and the importance of portraying EMS medicine accurately 15:09 – On burnout, PTSD and the need to support medics' mental health 18:08 – Using “Code 3” salary comparison as an advocacy tool 19:07 – Wilson praises Rob Riggle's ED doctor role and its realism 20:41 – Cherishing the chance to shed light on EMS 21:10 – Reminder that the film is also a comedy — “a good old time with a bucket of popcorn” 22:25 – Final message: “America needs you. Keep saving lives.” Rate and review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Patrick Pianezza, co-writer of the new EMS film “Code 3”, a deeply honest and compelling portrayal of life on the ambulance. The film stars Rainn Wilson (“The Office”), Lil Rel Howery (“Free Guy”) and Aimee Carrero (“Elena of Avalor”), delivering a powerful performance that captures both the pressures and the humanity of EMS work. Using real-world experiences and stories from the field, “Code 3” highlights the passion, dedication and emotional toll experienced by EMS professionals every day. From burnout, to systemic challenges, the movie invites the public into the high-stakes world of emergency medical services, showing both the challenges and the heart behind the uniform. Patrick and Rob discuss not only the storytelling process, but also the personal experiences that informed the movie. Pianezza candidly shares the emotional toll of EMS work, the reality of burnout and the importance of mental health support for first responders. This episode is both a celebration of the dedication of those who serve in 911 and a call for awareness and gratitude for the vital work they perform. “Code 3” opens in selected cinemas on Sept. 12, 2025. Memorable quotes “I remember going to one of my old bosses and saying, ‘I think I'm burning out.' The reaction I got was this dark chuckle … ‘We're all burnt out. Get back on the truck.' That kind of festering mentality is not healthy.” — Patrick Pianezza “Six out of six people that I have worked with have unfortunately [died by] suicide, and the suicide rates for first responders is double that of the regular population … which is a statistic we need to fix.” — Patrick Pianezza “And it is … a good representation of life on the truck, on the street, with a guy who's clearly burned out; but a person that cares, that has passion, commitment and will always do the right thing.” — Patrick Pianezza “There was no way to confront the story without talking about salaries, without talking about reimbursements … No one's gonna see a movie about Medicare, Medicaid, but we are as honest as we can be.” — Patrick Pianezza “This movie is nothing more than a gratitude tour for everyone who works in 911 … I'll be a broken record here: thank you for what it is that you do because it matters. I've been in those boots and I'm here to tell you thank you.” — Patrick Pianezza “And as I say in my review, those who know me know my ability to take tactical naps during movies. Well, this one got two eyes open and absolutely five stars.” — Rob Lawrence Episode timeline 00:00 – Introduction: Rob Lawrence introduces Patrick Pianezza and the film “Code 3” starring Rainn Wilson 02:31 – Origins of “Code 3:” How the project started and the vision behind telling an authentic EMS story 05:01 – Creative team & casting: working with actors, crew and Rainn Wilson 08:01 – On-the-Street authenticity: translating real EMS experiences into the film 12:01 – Depicting burnout: emotional and mental challenges in EMS work 16:01 – Mental health & seeking help: Autobiographical elements and confronting burnout 20:01 – Systemic issues: salaries, Medicare, and Medicaid reimbursement challenges 24:01 – Impact on families & relationships: emotional toll beyond the job 27:01 – Personal reflection: Patrick's journey, struggles and growth in EMS 29:01 – Gratitude tour: purpose of the film and acknowledging EMS professionals 32:01 – Closing thoughts: film release details, upcoming trailer and final messages of appreciation Enjoying the show? Send an email to editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for upcoming episodes. 

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence climbs back onto his soapbox to discuss two topics that directly impact on every EMS agency in America — the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standards (GVS) 4.0 and the simple, inexpensive steps we can take to stop ambulance theft. Joining Rob is longtime EMS leader and current CAAS GVS Administrator Mark Postma, who walks us through the origins of the standards, their national adoption and what's new in the latest update. From ambulance remounting, to structural safety testing, Mark explains how GVS 4.0 has evolved to keep pace with manufacturing realities, supply chain delays and operational needs. The conversation then shifts to a shared passion for protecting fleet assets. Rob and Mark dissect the shockingly frequent problem of ambulance theft and how a $200 automatic immobilization device can prevent a $250,000 vehicle from disappearing — without relying on crews to remember to lock it. Additional resources: CAAS GVS V4.0 – Ground Vehicle Standard Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) – The New Standard in Mobile Healthcare Ambulance thefts in the U.S. surge: Over 40 stolen rigs in 18 months 6 ways to safety-proof your EMS fleet Memorable quotes "It's no good going to City Council or to your board of directors on day 365 and saying, ‘I need a new truck for New Year day one' — that's not going to happen." — Rob Lawrence "The ground vehicle standard has become the standard that most vehicles are being built to and that state EMS officials are using." — Mark Postma "We spend a lot of time thinking about where things go in the box … add one more thing to your checklist: can the vehicle indeed be immobilized?" — Rob Lawrence "There's just no reason why ambulances are being stolen with the current technology that's out there." — Mark Postma Episode timeline 00:45 – Rob introduces the topic: GVS 4.0 and ambulance theft concerns 01:34 – Mark introduction and CAAS GVS role 04:11 – How the CAAS standards were developed and adopted by 35-plus states 06:09 – Comparing CAAS GVS to NFPA ambulance standards 06:48 – The rise of remounting, especially during COVID supply shortages 10:26 – Discussion of ongoing vehicle delivery delays and need for replacement planning 15:04 – What's new in GVS 4.0 — major changes and safety structure updates 19:38 – Ambulance theft statistics and the GVS anti-theft requirement 22:28 – Automatic immobilization and why manual systems fail 23:57 – Mark shares success story: zero thefts since installing devices 26:17 – Exceptions in standards and why state inspectors must enforce anti-theft 27:42 – Final thoughts on making anti-theft part of fleet planning Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback and suggest future guests. 

How well do EMS teams manage critically ill pediatric patients—and how do we know? In this special crossover episode with the EMS Educator Podcast, hosts Rob Lawrence and Maia Dorsett speak with Mark Cicero, lead author of a landmark study published in Prehospital Emergency Care. The study used simulation to assess EMS performance in pediatric emergencies. From medication dosing errors to missed fundamentals like cap refill checks, Dr. Cicero breaks down what the study revealed across more than 150 simulations in three states. Dr. Dorsett shares how the findings challenged her own assumptions as an educator and led to reflections on curriculum design, quality improvement, and the need for deliberate, high-frequency pediatric practice. Featured Article Quality of Care and Opportunities for Improvement in Prehospital Care of Critically Ill Pediatric Patients, An Observational, Simulation-Based Study

How well do EMS teams manage critically ill pediatric patients—and how do we know? In this episode of the EMS Educator Podcast, hosts Rob Lawrence and Maia Dorsett speak with Mark Cicero, lead author of a landmark study published in Prehospital Emergency Care. The study used simulation to assess EMS performance in pediatric emergencies. From medication dosing errors to missed fundamentals like cap refill checks, Dr. Cicero breaks down what the study revealed across more than 150 simulations in three states. Dr. Dorsett shares how the findings challenged her own assumptions as an educator and led to reflections on curriculum design, quality improvement, and the need for deliberate, high-frequency pediatric practice. They also explore the power of SIM Box—a free, low-tech, high-impact simulation toolkit—and how small, creative learning opportunities can help EMS clinicians gain confidence, accuracy, and readiness for rare but high-stakes pediatric calls. Whether you're a field provider, educator, or medical director, this episode offers practical insights and real tools to help build a system of pediatric care that's proactive, not reactive. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." Mentioned in the episode: Simbox: https://www.emergencysimbox.com/emstelesimbox Quality of Care and Opportunities for Improvement in Prehospital Care of Critically Ill Pediatric Patients, An Observational, Simulation-Based Study: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10903127.2025.2500715 The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

We're going back to school in this episode of The EMS Educator podcast! Specifically, you'll hear audio recordings of what EMS students and educators wish they had known when they were in school.  Hosts Hilary Gates and Rob Lawrence are joined by EMS educator Ginger Locke to offer commentary on this sage wisdom. There are tips about possessing quiet confidence and kindness, practical study strategies, and the importance of active reflection and being open to feedback. Tune in for this helpful discussion to help you navigate the demanding task of learning how to be an EMS clinician. Mentioned in the episode: Unconditional positive regard: https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/57646/how-unconditional-positive-regard-can-help-students-feel-cared-for Sahaj Khalsa's EMS Educator episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addressing-bias-in-patient-care-part-1-of-2/id1573326528?i=1000565780169 For the first time, Maia Dorsett highlights the episode's key points with "Maia's 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. 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 high-impact edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with EMS influencer and educator Jimmy Apple, known widely across platforms as The EMS Avenger. With nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok and a growing presence on Instagram and Facebook, Jimmy has mastered the art of compressing complex clinical topics into digestible, engaging content. | More: What the EMS Counts Act means for dual-role EMS providers  In this conversation, Rob pulls back the curtain on the man behind the mobile screen — exploring Jimmy's journey from electrician to pediatric critical care paramedic, and now, one of EMS's most watched and listened-to voices. Listeners will gain deep insight into Jimmy's origin story, his social media strategies, his refusal to let bad information go unchallenged, and his passionate belief that “Saving lives begins with kindness.” The pair also tackle: Content creation advice for EMS agencies The challenges of tone and accuracy in short-form video How to maintain compassion in the face of a toxic work culture This episode is part masterclass in communication, part call to action for the future of EMS — and all heart. Memorable quotes from Jimmy Apple: The EMS Avenger “Saving lives begins with kindness. That is my motto, it is my philosophy.” “You have to package something down to its bare essence … there's some nuance lost, but you have seconds to keep people's attention.” “My goals going forward are to support people who are acting in good faith while correcting the misinformation.” “Generally speaking, you will draw the engagement that you're looking for. If you're putting out content in good faith, you'll get good faith engagement.” “We are responsible for ourselves and how we respond … and I believe we need to respond to everything that is happening in the world today with kindness.” Episode timeline 00:54 – Rob introduces Jimmy Apple, aka the EMS Avenger 01:20 – Jimmy's background: from electrician to EMS 03:30 – The grandfather conversation that changed his life 04:50 – How pathophysiology sparked a love for learning 05:40 – Birth of the EMS Avenger: from student favorite to TikTok influencer 06:55 – Ginger Locke's advice that redirected Jimmy's podcast path 08:04 – Compressing content: "from textbook to bumper sticker" 10:00 – The content hook: “Are we getting rid of normal saline?” 11:00 – How Jimmy selects topics: research, news, curiosity and requests 13:00 – Hot topics in EMS: cricothyrotomy, TXA, ketamine, provider safety 14:40 – Rob discusses EMSIntel.org and ambulance theft data 16:00 – Can EMS agencies do what Jimmy does? The risks and the realities 18:30 – "Stop the finger": creating content that captures attention 20:00 – Rob on the risks of public messaging and backlash 21:00 – Calling out misinformation: the line between education and shame 23:00 – Jimmy's growing reach across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook 24:45 – Managing Facebook's deeper comments and nuanced conversations 26:45 – Jimmy's rule: “Engage only with good faith” 27:50 – Final thought: EMS must rediscover kindness 29:00 – Closing remarks and where to follow Jimmy Apple online Additional resources Connect with Jimmy Apple, better known as The EMS Avenger: TikTok — Jimmy offers short-form, evidence-based EMS content here: @emsavenger Instagram — Engage with in-depth reels, visuals, and professional updates: @emsavenger X (formerly Twitter) — Follow EMS commentary, conversation, and boosts: @EMSAvenger Facebook — Join the group for discussions and shared insights: EMS Avenger community Apple Podcasts — Listen to “EMS Avenger: 20 Minutes to Save the World”: Weekly podcast series AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

In this special crossover edition of EMS One-Stop and The Bridge Podcast from the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, host Amelia Holliday leads the conversation, joined by Scott Helle, rural project manager at KORH; and Rob Lawrence, host of EMS One-Stop and EMS leader. Recorded live at the 2025 Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy, this episode explores the evolution, design and impact of the Leadership Academy on Kentucky's rural EMS landscape. The discussion dives into the Academy's origins, structure, statewide reach and its mission to prepare the next generation of EMS leaders in some of the most resource-challenged communities in the country. From the realities of low-volume, underfunded rural services, to the inspiring stories of leadership growth and resilience, this episode offers a thoughtful examination of the challenges facing EMS in Kentucky and beyond. Rob reflects on leadership principles drawn from his military and EMS career, while Scott provides a blueprint for how to build and sustain EMS talent in small communities. Together with Amelia's thoughtful moderation, this episode highlights how mentorship, structured learning and network-building are transforming rural EMS leadership — one cohort at a time. Additional resources The Bridge Podcast (Contains additional discussion) Center of Excellence in Rural Health: Established to address health disparities in rural Kentucky Asking the big questions: Industry leaders weigh in on celebrating EMS Week amidst the forces shaping the EMS landscape Cultivating the next generation of EMS: Leadership development, emotional intelligence and the importance of mentorship Memorable quotes “We're promoting people above their level of competency — not because they're not good, but because we haven't prepared them for what's next.” — Rob Lawrence “We saw early on that EMS professionals were great at clinical care, but we were missing the leadership piece.” — Scott Helle “Effective communication is the core of good leadership. You can't lead without it.” — Amelia Holliday “My six principles: pride, integrity, learning, humor, service and courage. They guide everything I do.” — Rob Lawrence “It costs money to build people. That's why we provide this Academy at no cost to participants.” — Scott Helle “It's hard to run EMS in a state where many counties don't even have a tax base to support it.” — Scott Helle “You're always leading. Once you start, it never stops. People are always watching and listening.” — Rob Lawrence “We're not just building leaders — we're building mentors, networks and future change-makers.” — Scott Helle “Nobody becomes a good leader because they want power. The best leaders are those who understand the responsibility.” — Amelia Holliday Episode timeline 00:18 – Introduction to the Kentucky Leadership Academy and crossover with The Bridge Podcast 02:29 – How the Academy was formed and why it was needed 05:00 – Structure of the Academy, application process and regional representation 08:11 – EMS 2050, developing next-gen leaders, and avoiding the Peter Principle 11:00 – The importance of non-clinical leadership education 13:36 – Funding challenges in rural EMS, tax base realities and sustainable operations 17:41 – Rural EMS dynamics, local politics and the true cost of readiness 21:25 – Hospital closures and extended transport times — national rural EMS challenges 24:11 – Leadership is constant: visible, energetic and principle-driven 28:14 – Rob's military leadership values and the weight of being observed 32:35 – Leadership as service and the power of building trust within teams 34:58 – Rob's group dynamics “icebreaker” exercise and lessons on leadership styles 39:33 – Mentorship benefits both ways: mentees gain confidence, mentors renew purpose 44:49 – Academy success stories and graduates becoming leaders elsewhere in EMS 46:44 – Closing comments and podcast wrap-up with Amelia and Rob Rate and review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Danielle Thomas, chief operating officer, Lifeline EMS of Los Angeles, to explore how her team is harnessing “actual intelligence” — through a proprietary, closed-source AI platform called InCheck — to solve a perennial EMS headache: information overload. Thomas explains how embedding agency-specific protocols, an 800-page policy manual and multi-language translation into a single voice-activated app gives every crew member a “mentor in their pocket,” shrinking cognitive load, sharpening clinical decision-making and smoothing onboarding during the critical first 80 hours of employment. | More: From 73 to 33 minutes: How Sacramento reinvented patient offload times  The conversation ranges from her move from Boston to California and the regulatory culture shock that followed, to Lifeline's recent CAAS accreditation push and the wider potential of AI-driven tools to boost recruitment, retention, compliance and patient safety. In the second half, Rob and Danielle expanded the conversation from tools to leadership strategy, focusing on how EMS agencies can better support staff in high-pressure, multi-jurisdictional environments. Thomas shares how her team tackled issues like protocol confusion, inconsistent policy knowledge and language barriers — not by adding more training sessions, but by rethinking how information is delivered, accessed and retained on the front lines. She emphasizes the importance of aligning education with the way today's workforce learns, communicates and engages — especially during the critical first days of employment. The episode closes with a preview of Danielle's upcoming AAA conference presentation with Carly Strong, which challenges perceptions of gender in EMS leadership and spotlights the untapped potential of inclusive, thoughtful organizational development. Memorable quotes “If you can, as the leader in an EMS organization, figure out how to enhance not only that first 80 hours, but that team member experience.” — Danielle Thomas “As everybody listening knows, I'm sure that every new policy probably has somebody's secret name attached to it because of what happened.” — Rob Lawrence “It honestly solves our recruitment and retention issues because they want to come to work.” — Danielle Thomas “I happen to believe that [AI is] an on-the-train or under at the moment kind of thing … we now have to move forward. It's part of our life. We have to embrace it and we have to employ it.” — Rob Lawrence “The left coast is more highly regulated and so I was not used to the labor laws in California and I was not used to the way that the local EMS authorities work.” — Danielle Thomas “I think every company I've worked at that that was a thing and so we had to create a solution to the problem we had, which was information overload.” — Danielle Thomas Episode timeline 01:25 – Welcome to Danielle Thomas 02:56 – East-to-West move and California's regulatory maze 4:12 – Lifeline EMS footprint across Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties 6:27 – The policy-overload dilemma in multi-county operations 10:01 – InCheck: turning 800 pages into actionable intel 14:53 – From AI skeptic to evangelist — programming county-specific protocols 18:30 – Five operating modes explained (Rampart, Angel, Nova, L-Chat Narrative) 28:00 – 100-language instant translation with Nova 34:51 – Building the tool in-house; cost and compliance advantages 38:43 – Preview of AAA Conference session, “Just one of the guys” 41:33 – Final takeaways: enhancing the first 80 hours and keeping crews engaged 42:44 – Closing remarks 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.

What if we began asking patients “what happened to you?” instead of “what's wrong with you?” This mindset shift exemplifies the principles behind trauma-informed care. DCFEMS Behavioral Health Coordinator Ronit Reguer once again joins hosts Maia Dorsett, Hilary Gates and Rob Lawrence for a powerful, practical conversation on trauma-informed care.  They discuss how this approach can improve both patient outcomes and provider wellness. Drawing on clinical experiences, EMS education, and real-world applications, you'll hear a deep dive into how trauma affects patient behavior, the importance of recognizing individual agency during care, and how to build trauma-informed principles into EMS training.  Whether you're an EMS educator, clinician, or student, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to care—and inspire meaningful change. Mentioned in the episode: SAMHSA's Trauma-informed Approach: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey https://a.co/d/72CItzf 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. 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.