Things get intense on this episode of Inside EMS as hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle an age-old industry debate: should EMTs spend time on a truck before going to paramedic school or is that “experience” overrated? Kelly kicks things off with a spicy take, arguing that poor field training and inconsistent preceptorship often do more harm than good. From his perspective, bad habits, weak mentorship and burnout culture are the norm, not the exception. But Chris isn’t buying it. He counters that experience builds what classrooms can’t: clinical judgment, scene management and the ability to function in chaos. For him, skipping that step means stacking advanced skills on a shaky foundation. What follows is a back-and-forth that hits on everything from “microwave medics” and outdated curricula to high-fidelity simulation and whether modern education can truly replicate the street. Both sides agree the system is flawed — but disagree on where to fix it. Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback.

In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are once again joined by paramedic student April McKenzie, a.k.a., “April Anonymous,” for a deep dive on measuring arterial blood gas. Chris and Kelly walk April (and anyone else grinding through class) through the core idea that everything hinges on knowing “normal.” Once you lock in pH, CO₂ and bicarb ranges, the rest becomes pattern recognition, not panic. The big takeaway? Master normal, stay curious and treat every patient like a learning opportunity. Because the more normals you encounter, the faster you’ll catch what’s not. Quotable takeaways “Our whole job in a nutshell is maintaining homeostasis and knowing when the body is going to restore homeostasis.” “Voltaire said that the art of medicine is entertaining the patient until nature cures the disease. But, we know that nature doesn't always cure the disease. We have to know when to step in, when nature's not gonna do it.” Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

This week on Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson take a practical look at how leadership — both formal and informal — shapes the culture of an EMS organization. The hosts break down three things crews notice immediately: consistency, presence and composure. They emphasize that good leadership isn’t about controlling people or enforcing policies — it’s about developing crews, communicating clearly and earning trust over time. This episode breaks down how leadership credibility is built slowly through consistent behavior — and it only takes one misstep to damage it. Quotable takeaways “The culture of an EMS organization is shaped far more by leadership behavior than by policy manuals.” “You don't build strong organizations by controlling people. You build them by developing people.” “Leadership starts the moment people are watching.” Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War This week on Inside EMS, host Chris Cebollero brings a fresh interpretation to Sun Tzu’s ancient text with his latest book, “The Art of War for Business Leaders: Winning Without Fighting in Leadership, Strategy, and Life.” Chris makes the case that EMS leadership is more about clarity and discipline than chest-thumping command presence, tying Tzu’s principles back to everyday EMS realities. The discussion digs into why leaders so often fight the wrong battles, from staffing drama and culture clashes, to policy headaches and ego wars, and how better planning can keep those problems from blowing up in the first place The conversation dissects what accountability without chaos means in practice: building culture, reducing friction and leading in a way that gives crews the tools, support and ownership they need to succeed. Quotable takeaways “Most leaders don't fail because they're bad people. They fail because they fight battles that they never really need to fight.” “Never allow your emotions to dictate your actions. I was a powder keg that would explode when things didn't go right. [“The Art of War”] taught me to be less reactive.” “Discipline creates freedom.” Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

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. This week on the Inside EMS podcast, Jon Puryear, NREMT-P, is back and if you’ve ever sweated a National Registry deadline, this one hits home. Amid the ever-looming March 31 cutoff, Puryear breaks down what’s changed in continuing education — and what hasn’t. Known for his ability to simplify complex topics, Puryear has built National Registry refresher courses, explainers and CE programs designed not just to check a box, but to truly reinforce clinical understanding. His teaching style leans heavily on storytelling and practical analogies — think pulmonary edema explained through a waterlogged sponge — so providers walk away actually understanding the information, not just memorizing it. If you need hours, motivation — or just someone to explain it like a human — this episode is your reset. Top quotes “I don’t believe that we chose this profession. I believe that the profession chose us. We have a special calling inside of us to be able to take care of our fellow mankind.” “We don’t get rich. We don’t make a lot of money doing this. We’re truly public servants.” “Continuing education is still important to be able to keep our mind, our clinical care, our judgment, everything on top.” Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback.

Editor’s Note: 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. This episode of Inside EMS tackles a difficult question: When is it time to step away from the job? Hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson trade hard-earned wisdom — from Kelly’s knee-rehab comic relief to serious talk about emotional burnout, wellness needs and timing. The hosts also explore the psychology of identity — how being a paramedic or EMT isn’t just a job, it’s who you are. They unpack how to carry forward the best parts of that identity — calm under pressure, decisive action, compassion — into new roles if needed. This isn’t about quitting — it’s about owning your career before it owns you. Whether it’s fewer shifts, a new role, a new service or a new direction altogether, the message is clear: protect your identity, protect your professionalism and make moves that keep you sharp for the long haul. Quotable takeaways “Burnout is gradual. It's not explosive, but you've got to be able to realize the emotional flattening that is happening.” — Chris Cebollero “Our identity often becomes EMS. I tell people, to this day, ‘I'm a paramedic,’ and there's a lot that goes into that — and not just when you put the boots or the polo shirt on. It really becomes the core of who you are.” — Chris Cebollero “The vast majority of us don't leave after one bad call. We wake up one day and realize we've been surviving instead of serving, and that's when the burnout epiphany really hits us hard.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future 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. This week on Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero takes on one of the most anxiety-inducing topics in paramedic education: alpha and beta receptors. Sparked by a question from paramedic student April McKenzie, a.k.a., “April Anonymous,” this episode strips away rote memorization and replaces it with something far more useful in the field — understanding the why behind the medicine. There’s no fluff here; no cheesy memory tricks that fall apart under stress. Just physiology, practical mental models and a challenge to start practicing medicine with intention. If pharmacology has ever felt random, this episode connects the dots in a way that finally clicks. Quotable takeaways “Every medication you give in EMS is doing one of two things: It's either pushing the gas pedal or it's releasing the brake — that's it. If you don't understand which one you're doing, you're guessing, even if the protocol says you're right.” “We really have to become the ultimate detective of the body.” “Every patient is somewhere between gas and brake at all times. Those systems are constantly working, they're not off. It's just a dimmer switch. Every medication pushes one system or pulls the other system back into play.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

Dr. Peter Antevy returns to the Inside EMS co-host seat this week, filling in for Kelly Grayson and bringing some serious pediatric firepower to the conversation. Host Chris Cebollero dives right into the latest buzz around the Broselow tape recall — yes, again — as Dr. Antevy unpacks what went wrong, why it matters and what EMS agencies should be doing about it now. He also shares exciting details on his brand-new, field-focused Newborn Resuscitation & Obstetrics course (NROC), built by EMS for EMS. Designed with two hours of online content (zero PowerPoints!) and a short, in-house skills lab, this course aims to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking call types. No more dragging medics to the hospital for NRP classes that don’t translate to street-level care. Also on deck: OB deserts, delayed cord clamping, why you might need to Saran-wrap a newborn (seriously), and what AI can — and can’t — do for EMS. This one’s packed with practical pearls, myth-busting insights and a whole lot of passion for pediatric education. Quotable takeaways from Dr. Peter Antevy “EMS is one specialty that AI will never take away, as far as like the human-to-human contact. We resuscitate people, we treat people who are seizing. AI will never do that. That's a good thing.” “Academics and the hospital folks don't recognize the value that EMS brings to the table. They think we're ambulance drivers. It's time for them to wake up and recognize that we are the people who deliver babies. We are the people who resuscitate grandma, grandpa and the little kid.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

In this episode of Inside EMS, host Chris Cebollero sits down with Mic Gunderson, CEO of the Center for Systems Improvement and EMS Quality Academy; and editor‑in‑chief of the new peer-reviewed International Journal of Paramedicine, which launched in January 2023. Gunderson explains how the publication provides a forum for thoughtful debate around complex topics to be examined and analyzed. A recent issue, for example, touched on degree requirements for entry-level medics using the Socratic method to frame and manage the debate — a far cry from the horrors of a social post’s comment section. Sprinkled with wit, respect and real curiosity, this episode is a masterclass in how EMS can grow — not just louder, but smarter. Whether you drive an ambulance, manage a system, or just care about the future of prehospital care, this conversation is worth your seat time. Additional resources: The International Journal of Paramedicine Degrees, debate and direction: Why this debate deserves our attention Top quotes from Mic Gunderson “Allow us to have enough maturity in our dialogue to say, ‘what's your logic or reasoning behind your opinion?’ instead of just saying, ‘I think the sky is blue.’ Tell me why you think the sky is blue and why it isn't red.” “With the Socratic debate format, because we're not trying to pick a loser or a winner, it allows us to really focus on the issues and the merits of the different perspectives.” Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris and Kelly are joined by paramedic student April McKenzie — aka “April Anonymous” — for a deep dive into the buffer system and CO2 mapping. April’s in the thick of paramedic school and like every good learner, she’s asking “why?” — so the guys break down the physiology behind capnography, acid-base balance and the lungs-vs.-kidneys showdown that keeps our patients alive. Plus, they throw in old-school war stories, rant about naloxone misuse and admit that bicarb is no longer the go-to cardiac arrest drug. If you've ever tried to explain respiratory vs. metabolic acidosis in under 10 minutes, this episode is your cheat sheet. April will be back throughout the year with more student questions, so buckle up for the ongoing EMS education you didn’t know you needed. Quotable takeaways “Just because you see somebody with signs and symptoms and the protocol says, do this; that's OK, but that just makes you a protocol paramedic.” “My friend Romy Duckworth calls [capnography] the MVP of vital signs, and that's a good way to remember it — MVP: Metabolism, Ventilation and Profusion. And it will tell you derangement about all three of those things very well once you're proficient at interpreting the waveforms.” “Basically, the buffer system is the body's way of keeping the pH stable. So, if we're blowing out, if we're having problems with respiratory acidosis — and let's talk about CDKA, where they're trying to blow off — it's the respiratory systems’ way of making sure that we have homeostasis.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for an upcoming episode.

This week on Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero kicks off 2026 with a heartfelt conversation featuring Eric Morrison, vice president of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride and EMS director for Iredell County, North Carolina. The ride, founded 26 years ago, exists to honor the memory of EMS providers who died in the line of duty, from illness or mental health struggles. Each rider wears a dog tag bearing the name of a fallen provider, often connecting with their families along the journey. Eric shares his personal journey from lifeguard to leader and how his rekindled love for cycling — along with the loss of friend and EMS wellness advocate Brian Fass — led him to the ride. He breaks down what it takes to join (hint: it’s more doable than you think), the logistics of the ride, and how EMS agencies and individuals can support the cause, even off the bike. Quotable takeaways from Eric Morrison “All of us are focused on the idea that our providers matter. They matter to their families, they matter to their communities, and they should matter to all of us.” “People that didn't even know that person are recognizing their service. They're recognizing their commitment to the community, and they're honoring them and remembering them.” “Once you come out and see what the ride is really about, you understand the mission and you see the impact it has on these families that we're able to meet with.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest a guest for a future episode.

In this end-of-year special, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson wrap 2025 with their trademark mix of humor, insight and zero sugarcoating. From venomous bites to venomous behavior, the Inside EMS duo continue counting down the top EMS stories that had the industry buzzing this year — and occasionally cringing. As always, the guys don’t shy away from the tough stuff, but they make sure to end on a note of gratitude for the everyday EMS pros out there doing the job with compassion, competence and quiet heroism. Quotable takeaways “Every day, EMS providers go out there, do their jobs and bring some kindness and some comfort to a really bad day for their patients. And I think we need to look forward to more of that in 2026.” “Sometimes we've done things that maybe we shouldn't have, because it isn't in our scope of protocols, but I think we make a difference. Where's the line?” “Most of the advantages of mechanical CPR are not advantages at all.” The top EMS1 stories of 2025 Representatives Glenn Thompson and John Mannion introduced the EMS Counts Act Social Security Fairness Act signed into law, boosting retirement benefits for first responders Kentucky EMTs face KBEMS hearing for administering antivenom after mamba bite Elkhart firefighter appeals loss of paramedic duties after nurse’s harassment complaint American Heart Association's 2025 CPR guidelines: Choking, opioids & survival chain Ill. city council makes $500 lift assist fee permanent Warren-Wentworth Ambulance shuts down after entire staff quits 'Shut the f**k up!': North Babylon Fire Chief Peter Alt on leave after video shows him cursing at patient Orange County fire chiefs demand removal of EMS director for halting blood transfusions, ketamine use Colo. paramedic charged with manslaughter after sedating, restraining man National EMS Advisory Council board members terminated Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for an upcoming episode.

In this special Christmas edition of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson unwrap five of the biggest EMS stories of 2025 — and it’s not all eggnog and cheer. This year delivered more than its fair share of gut punches to the profession, from a paramedic who was charged with manslaughter, to footage of a fire chief yelling at a 10-year-old patient (yeah, that happened). Next week’s show will break down the final five EMS stories of the year, but in 2026, we’re flipping the spotlight. Chris and Kelly are calling on you to step up and share your real EMS stories — the funny, the frustrating, the calls that changed you. Got a moment that shaped your career? Our cohosts want to hear it, and you might even get an invite to appear on the podcast. ‘Tis the season to be heard; email theshow@ems1.com to share your story! Quotable takeaways “You're the grownup. You can't pitch a fit. You gotta be the grownup in the situation and diffuse it.” “If your only incentive for doing the right thing is that somebody might catch you being a jerk on video, then it's time for you to get out of the profession.” “The cost of readiness is hugely expensive.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

What do you do when someone on your team is struggling — and it’s on you to say something? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive headfirst into one of leadership’s toughest challenges: holding people accountable without losing your humanity. This episode challenges leaders to ditch outdated progressive discipline models and start leading with clarity and empathy. Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor or new to the hot seat, this one hits home. And if you’ve been avoiding a conversation, consider this your nudge to stop choosing comfort over your own integrity. Quotable takeaways “Firing people with compassion, managing your ego, their ego, admitting mistakes and just being human — these are the places where real leaders show up.” “One of the things I try to teach is that I don't fire anybody — I just process the paperwork. People fire themselves.” “EMS is a very egotistical business, and it's that ego that keeps us from asking questions. Because we don't want to look like we don't know what we're talking about in front of our peers.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest a guest!

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, we’re passing the gravy and the hot takes. Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson serve up a holiday plate full of EMS news — starting with FDNY’s potential EMS split. They dig into what fair pay really looks like, why some EMTs are suing for what they’re owed, and whether big hospital systems like Yale New Haven are reshaping the ambulance game for better or worse. Whether you’re working a turkey-day shift or finally off duty, this episode hits hard and gives thanks where it’s due. Quotable takeaways: “If you’re gonna be in the EMS business, you’ve gotta be in the EMS business, right?” “One thing we need to do as leaders is to make sure we don’t mess with people’s money.” “If you’re not giving adequate funding and attention to the EMS side of the house, then that’s a recipe for trouble and it can’t last.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest a guest for a future episode.

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, Dr. Peter Antevy returns for another round in the hot seat, and he’s not holding back. In this jam-packed episode, he and host Chris Cebollero tackle trending topics in prehospital care — from the expanding role of whole blood and plasma, to the frustrating gaps in the AHA’s 2025 guidelines. You’ll hear real-world success stories (like the cardiac arrest survivor who’s back on the tennis court), why dual sequential defibrillation (DSD) should already be your go-to, and the cost-benefit realities of starting a whole blood program. Dr. Antevy also dives into the science behind glycocalyx damage and how plasma could change how we treat sepsis, TBI and burns in the field. Whether you’re a medic, medical director or just passionate about pushing EMS forward, this episode delivers practical insight, bold opinions and a whole lot of inspiration. Quotable takeaways from Dr. Antevy “The medical establishment does not understand the value of what EMS brings to the table. They don't understand the complexity.” “When we said, ‘We'll do the whole blood,’ what did the surgeons do? They went up in arms: ‘What do you mean you're giving whole blood? Bring them to us. We'll give the whole blood.’ No, no, no. We are part of the chain of survival, too.” “EMS is a subspecialty in the house of medicine. We all need to rise up to make the hospital folks and the academics aware that EMS is important for trauma, for stroke, for pediatrics, for cardiac. We are the ones who can help bring up those outcomes and that's why I love this field.” Additional resources:  AHA 2025 updates are here: Cue the overreactions and the protocol rewrites On-demand: Bringing whole blood to the front lines of EMS Stop the bleed, fill the tank – The New Orleans EMS blood program Whole blood in EMS promises a revolution in resuscitation Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest a guest for a future episode.

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, host Kelly Grayson sits down with Jimmy Apple — known as the “EMS Avenger” on TikTok — to explore how he’s challenging long‑standing EMS norms and delivering evidence‑based content at scale. With 22 years in EMS, the pediatric critical‑care paramedic has built a strong digital platform that merges clinical rigor with plain‑spoken commentary. Whether you’re hung up on “what’s new” or “what really works,” this episode offers a spirited discussion, thoughtful commentary and a call to re‑examine what we do — and why. Memorable takeaways “What we learn tends to define who we are as a provider, particularly when the information was learned during our formative years.” “I don’t want to have to spend my time defending a personal position. I would rather talk about how we can guide ourselves based on what we are actually seeing with data that is as objective as we can get it.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback and suggest guests for future episodes.

Let’s face it — most discussions on leadership sound like someone regurgitating a business best seller. Not this time. In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson get real about the six leadership habits that actually matter when you're running a shift, a truck or a team that relies on each other not to screw it up.   This isn’t about titles, org charts or leadership flavor-of-the-month. We’re talking self-awareness, collaboration and adaptability — the stuff that separates real-deal leaders from clipboard-holding disasters.   Whether you’re trying to step up or just sick of bad leadership, this episode’s got what you need to lead better — without the cringe. Memorable quotes “What I can't stand in a leader is someone who waffles and is just blown by the wind. I would much rather have somebody say, ‘This is what we're gonna do.’ And then after, ‘Ooh, that was a bad idea. I'm sorry for that. That's on me.’” “If the team's confused, it's not a team problem. It's a leadership problem.” “Leaders who don’t know themselves lead through ego and insecurity.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC and why, for most EMS systems and crews, this feels more like a tune up than a full overhaul. They talk through what is different — like the adult/child choking algorithm change, the inclusion of an opioid overdose response algorithm with public naloxone access, and the shift to a single unified chain of survival across ages and settings. They also talk about what isn’t new (for example, the recommendation that routine mechanical CPR devices are not better than manual compressions), why that matters, and how agencies should frame this for crews and training programs. Bottom line: the changes are real, the work is actionable, but this doesn’t feel like a seismic shift — so use that to your advantage in getting buy-in from providers and avoiding the “huge change panic.” Memorable quotes “They're actually saying now, which I think is pretty cool, that individuals 12 and above can be taught CPR and how to use an AED.” “The key is early CPR and early defibrillation. And if you'regoing to get more bang for your buck, you need to devote your time to bystander CPR training and public AED access rather than buying fancy gadgets that are appealing but may not actually be supported by science.” “I find it interesting that we used to caution against this in CPR class: ‘Don’t give 'em back blows. You may lodge it deeper into the trachea.’ But now, I think they've looked at the data, and back blows are, at the very least, not harmful and may be beneficial.” “For those in leadership: audit all your protocols and training materials now. Find out where your system is aligned or out of step.” Enjoying the Inside EMS podcast? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dig into a hot-button issue lighting up EMS forums: DUI blood draws by paramedics. In Vanderburgh County, Indiana, a new program lets fire department medics perform evidentiary blood draws at the request of law enforcement — right on scene, even if the suspect isn’t being transported. Supporters say it’s efficient; critics say it’s unethical.   The hosts share their own history with blood draws in the field and reflect on how their professional philosophies have evolved.   It’s a passionate, no-holds-barred conversation about legal gray zones, moral boundaries, patient advocacy, operational burdens and the blurry line between healthcare and law enforcement.   Spoiler: There’s no easy answer. But if your agency is considering such a program, this episode is required listening. Memorable quotes “My job is to do medical care, period, end of file. Quite often in doing my job, I make the point, ‘Hey, I'm not a cop, man. You can trust me.’” “There's a moral dilemma there. Are we caregivers or are we evidence collectors?” “Even if the laws permitted me to do so for one reason and one reason only, it's very hard to shift from a caregiver mindset to a defensive mindset.” Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest a guest for an upcoming episode.

Sure, AI and digital systems are reshaping EMS, but at the core? It’s still about people. In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle the disconnect between tech-savvy, fast-adapting, new providers and an education system still stuck in the lecture-skill-lab loop. They break down why flipped classrooms, mentorship and real talk about leadership must happen now—and why soft skills aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re survival tools. This episode makes the case that the future of EMS depends on how well we prepare, mentor and empower the medics already entering the field — and why waiting to teach leadership is a mistake we can’t afford to keep making. Memorable quotes “Soft skills are the survival skills in today’s EMS: empathy, de-escalation, teamwork.” — Kelly Grayson “We’re supposed to be shepherds and guides, not the sage on the stage delivering a lecture and a performance — and I deliver lectures and performances very well. But that’s not the best way people learn.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest future guests!

This week on Inside EMS, ChrisCebolleroand Kelly Grayson dive deep into the dark side of workplace culture — the seven types of negativity that poison morale, ruin teamwork and chip away at your love for the job. From the moment the coffee hits your cup, to the second the rig rolls out, negativity can show up uninvited: complaints, criticism, blame, gossip — and yes, the ever-present cynicism. But this isn’t just a leadership lecture. It’s personal. Kelly opens up about his own battles with depression and how behaviors like self-pity and cynicism creep in under stress. The duo explores how everyday negativity often masks deeper issues — cries for help, burnout, lack of connection — and how leaders (and peers) can break the cycle. This episode is real, raw and one every EMS pro needs to hear. Memorable quotes “Negative attitudes spur negative attitudes. It's a phenomenon that feeds on itself.” — Kelly Grayson “Stop blaming and stop pointing fingers and let's fix the problem.” — Chris Cebollero “These seven types of negativity do us no good. All they do is drag us down personally, and they drag our workplace and our coworkers along with it.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

You know the drill — “patient feeling weak,” “not quite right,” maybe alittle confusion. But what if that vague dispatch hides a killer? This week on the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dig into one of the most missed, yet deadliest emergencies we face: sepsis. You'll hear when to treat aggressively with fluids, why timing matters for antibiotics and how any provider can sound the alarm with a sepsis alert. Plus, they dive into the controversy around fluid bolus protocols, which prehospital labs might be worth it and why a 30 mL/kg mindset isn’t always one-size-fits-all. If you've ever walked into a call and thought “something’s off,” this episode will help you figure out what — and how to act before it’s too late. Memorable quotes “Most septic patientsdon'troll with a sign thatsays,‘I’m septic.’” “The number of sepsis cases we see in EMS are more than stroke and heart attack combined.” “They may have pulses everywhere — just none of them are good.” Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest future guests.

This week on Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero welcomes Patrick Pianezza — former EMS Leadership podcast co‑host, paramedic and co-writer on the new action-comedy EMS film ‘Code 3.’ Pianezza teamed up with writer Christopher Leone to push for authenticity, insisting on medical accuracy and avoiding cliches — no guns‑in‑ambulance heroics, no patients as punchlines. There are scenes that will make medics say, “That’s us!” — from nursing home calls to behavioral health crises, the pressures from society, as well as moments many will recognize in their gut. For EMS professionals, this is about being seen, valued and having your story told well. For everyone else, it’s an invitation to look deeper at the people showing up to help you on your worst day. Memorable quotes “What I really care about, what I want people to take away from the movie, especially if you’re still actively doing the job, is that they feel recognized. They feel seen, they feel like we did them justice.” — Patrick Pianezza “CPR is so terribly shown on screen that we were committed to like, at least one movie’s gonna get it right.” — Patrick Pianezza “There is a heart to it that I think is universal and speaks to not just people who do the job, but for outsiders to get a view into this world and be like, ‘Oh, so that’s what this job is.’” — Patrick Pianezza Additional resources: Burnout, bravery and gratitude: The story behind ‘Code 3’ Why ‘Code 3’ might be the most honest EMS film yet ‘Code 3’: A love letter to fire and EMS Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest future guests.

Ever been told to “cut the war stories” in EMS? Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are here to push back. This week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast dives into the vital role storytelling plays in shaping EMS culture, training, leadership and even public perception. With their signature mix of humor and heart, they explore how the right story — told the right way — can teach more than any protocol ever will. From instructor pitfalls to leadership mistakes, they share personal wins and failures that built their character — and could build yours too. You’ll also get 8 rock-solid tips on how to be a better storyteller in the field, in the classroom or at the next crew dinner. Spoiler: It’s not about theatrics; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, knowing when to pause ... and when to whisper. Top quotes “Never tell a story without a point. Never make a point without a story.” “The burned hand teaches best.” “Be authentic. Share your wins. Talk about your mistakes.” Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive headfirst into one of paramedic's most anxiety-inducing scenarios: the pediatric airway. Despite decades of advancement, pediatric codes still strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned medics. So why hasn’t this gotten any easier? Drawing on their own experience (plus a few nods to Dr. Peter Antevy), the duo emphasize the urgent need for high-fidelity simulation training, ongoing QA and competency-based training. This episode’s packed with insights, strong opinions and a healthy dose of tough love for EMS systems that continue to send underprepared crews into high-stakes situations. If you’ve ever broken into a cold sweat over a pediatric call, this episode is for you. Memorable quotes "When a mother hands you a 3-month-old in cardiac arrest, that’s not the time to figure out you’re uncomfortable." — Chris Cebollero “If you want the medic to intubate kids, you need cadaver labs, you need high fidelity simulation. You need to practice and you need to QA that practice. Most systems just can't provide that and without regular exposure, intubation becomes unsafe. And that's why I'd argue if you can't maintain your competency, you shouldn't carry the skill.” — Chris Cebollero “Kids aren't little adults. They do have more challenges. They do have bigger tongues. They do have floppier epiglottis, they do have smaller airways.” — Chris Cebollero Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback and suggest future guests.

As artificial intelligence sweeps across industries, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are asking the big question: Is EMS ready? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, the duo gets into the weeds of how AI could reshape the field, from charting and documentation, to predictive deployment and real-time clinical prompts. They dig into practical use cases, like auto-generating patient care reports from spoken narratives, using smart speakers for on-the-fly drug dosages and deploying AI in dispatch triage. But they’re not AI cheerleaders; both caution against overreliance, false confidence and the risk of replacing critical thinking with shortcuts. It’s a spirited, funny and forward-looking conversation about how EMS can lead, not lag, in adopting this rapidly evolving tech. Because one thing’s clear: AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. Memorable quotes “I think the big issue that people have with AI is that they fear it’s gonna start doing our thinking for us rather than help us with everyday tasks. And to me, that’s a legitimate fear.” —Kelly Grayson “When we open this door of where AI can touch EMS directly, I think there’s a lot of places this can go.” —Chris Cebollero “I learned long ago that one of the tricks to the choreography of a smooth call is to think out loud and to talk, talk, talk your way through everything that you do. It’s interesting thinking about narrating that for the purpose ofan AI client to write your chart as you go.” —Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest future guests!

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson shine a spotlight on the kidneys and their impact on patient outcomes. What starts as a chat about chronic kidney stones quickly dives into a sharp, clinical breakdown of renal anatomy, physiology and the far-reaching consequences of kidney dysfunction in EMS care. Chris and Kelly unpack the kidneys’ role in fluid balance, blood pressure regulation and acid-base stability, including how the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) system can either save a patient … or make things worse. They outline the key types of acute kidney injury (pre-renal, intrinsic, post-renal), tie them back to underlying anatomy, and explain why perfusion matters long before labs confirm failure. With field-focused tips on what to ask (yes, diaper counts matter), what to look for and how to manage critical complications, this episode gives medics the tools to recognize renal red flags early — and act fast. Additional resources: Acute kidney injury assessment and treatment The science behind shock: Why providers must understand the RAAS Caring for the dialysis patient One for the Road: Is this a kidney stone? Memorable quotes “In EMS, we don't really pay attention to the functioning of the kidneys until everything goes south.” “They're not lying when they say the kidneys are the windows to the viscera.” “Kidney problems don't happen in isolation.” Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

Editor’s Note: Welcome to the What Paramedics Want podcast, sponsored by Pulsara. Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. One Tool. Every Day. Regardless of Event. This week on the Inside EMS Podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive deep into the What Paramedics Want in 2025 industry report — and let’s just say, it’s not all sunshine and stable shifts. The report, created in partnership with Fitch & Associates and sponsored by Pulsara, lays bare the hard truths: burnout is at an all-time high, staffing gaps are holding steady at crisis levels and confidence in leadership is lukewarm at best. Chris and Kelly get real as they discuss some of the shocking stats — such as, only 59% of agencies report having enough staff to answer 911 calls, and 76% of respondents now cite burnout as a critical issue. But this isn’t just about fatigue; it’s about leadership gaps, lack of support and workplaces that are driving out even the most seasoned medics. From the “mandatory overtime spiral” to why communication isn’t just nice — it’s a necessity — this episode tackles how broken systems are eroding morale and what leaders can (and must) do to change course. You’ll hear why stay interviews matter more than exit interviews, how marijuana use is creeping up as a stress escape, and the simple steps agencies can take to rebuild trust and retention. Memorable quotes “If one-quarter of your work workforce says ‘we don't enjoy our jobs anymore’ and ‘we don't enjoy working for you anymore,’ you got a hell of a problem on your hands.” — Kelly Grayson “This isn't just burnout because of the things we're seeing.  This is because of staffing shortages. This is because of lack of funding. This is because of working overtime. This is because agencies are mandating overtime. And that's gonna lead to burnout.” — Chris Cebollero “What we have is a shortage of people who are willing to work for chump change and horrible working conditions.” — Kelly Grayson Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One Tool. Every Day. Regardless of Event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share your feedback and suggest future guests.

You’ve just been promoted — congrats, right? Not so fast. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson get real about what it actually means to step into a leadership role. Spoiler alert: it's not just a new title and a gold badge. It’s a complete shift in responsibility, from caring for patients to caring for your people. Together, they break down how new leaders often swing too far: either trying to be everyone’s buddy or going full micromanager. They talk servant leadership, earning trust daily, the power of listening and what “protecting your people from bad decisions above” really looks like. If you're stepping into a new role — or trying to recover from a rocky start — this episode is packed with hard truths, some laughs and solid advice from two guys who’ve lived it. Memorable quotes “Ask a lot of questions and give your subordinates some ownership over how decisions are made. They didn't get stupid overnight when you got a white shirt. They're still the good people they were before.” — Kelly Grayson “Leadership isn't a title, it's not a reward, it's a responsibility.  It’s a verb, not a noun, and you have to be able to show your leadership every day.” — Chris Cebollero “Leadership's not about perfection. It's about showing up every day and trying to get better. It's being present in the moment. You show up for your people, you help them be their very best, and you never stop learning how to lead better.” — Kelly Grayson Rate & review Inside EMS Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at  theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are staying in the same hotel, but definitely not on the same page. The topic? Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) — is it the future of EMS, or just another flashy tool with little impact in the field?  Chris opens the discussion with skepticism, calling POCUS a “ridiculous” tool that adds no value to his prehospital patient care. Kelly fires back with a defense of POCUS as a powerful, fast and non-invasive tool that can enhance clinical decision-making — if used right.  It’s a spirited back-and-forth loaded with clinical scenarios, sarcasm and a lot of “whatever, man.” Whether you’re team “POCUS is progress” or “scan and stall,” this episode will get you thinking.  Memorable quotes  “Ultrasound gives you another layer of decision-making support.”  “Point of care ultrasound gives me no ability to change the way I'm treating the patient.”  “It never is a bad thing to know more about the patient.”  Rate & review Inside EMS Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle one of the most nerve-wracking scenarios in EMS: the pediatric respiratory emergency. From the moment you see a gasping toddler in mom’s arms, you know this is a make-or-break call — and for many providers, it’s the one that keeps them up at night. Chris kicks things off with a haunting real-life scenario that sets the stage for an in-depth conversation on how to recognize and respond to pediatric respiratory distress. Kelly, a seasoned PALS instructor with a knack for demystifying pediatrics, offers practical advice on assessing sick kids using tools like the Pediatric Assessment Triangle, reading subtle signs like head bobbing or limp limbs, and why the good ol’ basics — like BVM ventilation and suction — save lives. From clinical pearls to mindset resets, this episode is a must-listen if you want to face your pediatric fears and come out stronger. Memorable quotes “If we know that’s a weakness for our employees, what are we doing to help them make it a strength?” “You bring calm to the chaos. You bring presence to the panic. You bring hope to the people who are living their worst moment.” “This is not about just about a clinical challenge; but it’s a fear of getting something wrong.” Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share your feedback.

When conflict flares up in your organization, do you fuel the fire or douse it with empathy? In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson break down how to handle interpersonal drama and tough conversations like a leader — with calm, clarity and tactical empathy. Tactical empathy isn’t about being soft; it’s about being smart. It’s the intentional art of listening, labeling emotions and showing people they’re seen — without letting things spiral into chaos or resentment. Drawing from leadership lessons, clinical psychology and their own missteps, Chris and Kelly lay out 5 solid tools you can start using immediately, from mirroring and eye contact, to setting respectful boundaries. Whether you’re managing late shift changes, dealing with crew conflict or just trying to keep morale afloat, this is an episode that gives you actionable steps — not just leadership fluff. Oh, and if you think “tactical” doesn’t belong in the same sentence as “feelings,” they’re here to prove you wrong. Memorable quotes “Conflict is part of EMS. You cannot avoid it.” — Kelly Grayson “Empathy’s not a rescue mission. It’s a recognition moment.” — Kelly Grayson “The trick isn't avoiding conflict. It's learning how to handle it without crushing morale, without leaving the other side, or having one or both sides feeling that you're showing favorites or you're blind to their concerns.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at  theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero unpacks what it really means to be a field training officer and, spoiler alert: it’s not just about ticking boxes or passing protocols. From the importance of professional modeling and emotional intelligence to the dangers of unchecked cynicism among senior field staff, Chris lays out why FTOs must be seen — and supported — as true leaders. He shares his own experiences as a clinical director, discusses how poor habits often trace back to lackluster FTO mentorship, and offers a full blueprint for building an FTO program that not only trains but transforms. This isn’t about seniority; it’s about strategy. You’ll learn why ongoing training, peer-reviewed reappointments and subject matter ownership turn FTOs into the backbone of your EMS culture. Whether you’re an FTO, want to become one or oversee the program, this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. Memorable quotes “My FTOs were gatekeepers to the organization, and it was important for them to set the standard of what that was going to look like.” “Don't assign the title and hope for the best. Right? Develop the role into a leadership position that inspires people daily.” “You can't build a strong workforce if your trainers aren't trained themselves.” Rate & review Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

When most people see red tape, they stop. Darin Johnson saw an opportunity. In this episode of Inside EMS, Chris and Kelly welcome Darin — a paramedic, operations supervisor and now urgent care owner — to break down how he helped spearhead Utah’s House Bill 14. The goal? Allow paramedics to practice to their full scope outside of traditional EMS settings. What started as a frustrating moment working in mobile IV therapy spiraled into a full-on legislative effort that took over 3 years to realize. And guess what? It passed. But Darin didn’t stop there. He then launched Mod Doc, a fusion-style urgent and primary care center in Draper, Utah, run with a team of paramedics, flight nurses and a nurse practitioner. The mission? Community-centered care that blends traditional and holistic approaches — and gives paramedics a real seat at the table. This episode is a playbook for anyone ready to stop asking “Why not?” and start saying, “Watch this.” Top quotes from Darin Johnson “I'm just trying to create fusion medicine. Kind of like when you go to a restaurant and you get fusion food. I just want to bring all the best parts of medicine together and provide the best care for people so they can have good quality of life.” “Paramedics should be expanding their scope of practice. We really should be utilizing our ability to operate in remote environments and in homes and everywhere else.” “I had a moment where I just stopped and went, ‘Wait, huh? You'll let me do all these things if I'm working for an EMS agency, but if I have all the same things in place working private than I can't do that.’ And it started this whole journey of wanting to understand why paramedics weren't recognized for their scope of practice in the private setting.” Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

It’s EMS Week wrap-up time, and Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are back in classic form in this episode of the Inside EMS podcast. From jokes about Sloppy Joe leftovers from Hospital Week to heartfelt gratitude for the medics still grinding it out day after day, this episode hits all the notes. Chris and Kelly talk about why EMS Week still matters; more than just stickers and slogans, it’s about recognizing the quiet pride, the commitment and the transformation that EMS professionals bring to their communities every single day. The hosts challenge listeners to advocate for the profession, share their stories, and — most importantly — support one another. Whether you’re still running lights and sirens or mentoring the next generation, this one’s for you. Memorable quotes “You may be in EMS if you finish a trauma report while chewing beef jerky at 3 a.m.” — Kelly Grayson  ”We need to treat EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers and supervisors with respect and do things for them 51 weeks of the year, and then take EMS Week off.” — Kelly Grayson “This isn’t a flashy job, it’s not always recognized ... but it’s real. And it gets in your blood.” — Chris Cebollero “Keep on being the rumpled angels of healthcare.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

When it comes to taking criticism, EMS professionals are … not great. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson get real about why criticism hits so hard and how we can start to deal with it like grownups (instead of defensive toddlers). They break down Chris’s recent article, “10 practical tips for responding to criticism,” sharing personal stories of defensiveness, arrogance and the long road to emotional intelligence. From learning to separate emotion from feedback to asking for clarification and recognizing when there’s truth in someone’s harsh words, this episode is a masterclass in professional and personal growth. The duo also explores how criticism ties into self-awareness, communication with partners, and even romantic relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned medic or a brand-new EMT, these tips will help you take feedback like a pro without letting it wreck your day. "We do not want our medicine criticized. We do not want our work ethics criticized. We just do not want criticism.” — Chris Cebollero "Experience comes from mistakes. Mistakes come from lack of experience." — Chris Cebollero  “Back in the day, I didn't care. I used to say the same thing. People either love me or hate me; there's no in the middle. But you know what? I wasn't looking at the bigger picture.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dig deep into one of EMS's most overlooked (and often forgotten) topics — toxidromes. You might remember the word from paramedic class, but today’s street calls demand more than a vague memory. With patients taking everything from grandma’s Ativan to street-made speed, understanding toxidromes is crucial for making quick, accurate clinical calls. The crew breaks down the five major toxidromes every medic should know: anticholinergic, cholinergic, opioid, sympathomimetic and sedative-hypnotic. From classic mnemonics like “mad as a hatter” to real-life stories of fire ant poisonings, this episode serves up practical knowledge with EMS-grade humor. Chris and Kelly cover telltale signs (sweaty vs. dry skin, pinpoint vs. dilated pupils), treatment pearls of wisdom (easy on that naloxone, folks), and the real-world complications of polypharmacy. Plus, they touch on lesser-known players like serotonin syndrome and hallucinogens. This one’s a refresher you didn’t know you needed — but you’ll be grateful when you respond to your next overdose call. Memorable quotes “Antidotes are overrated. Supportive care will take care of most of the toxidromes out there.” — Kelly Grayson “If they’re pleasantly stuporous but breathing effectively, it’s not an overdose. It’s just a dose.” — Kelly Grayson “Narcan is not a punishment, it's a treatment. You don't slam it, you bump it just a little bit, just enough to get them breathing again.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle a metabolic monster that every EMS provider needs to master: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). They kick off with a common (but critical) 911 scenario: a 19-year-old with a history of Type 1 diabetes, confusion, vomiting and a blood sugar of 500. Sound familiar? Kelly dives into the physiology of DKA, explaining how glucose can be sky-high while cells starve, triggering fat breakdown and ketone production that spirals into life-threatening acidosis. The hosts hit the must-know pathophysiology, signs and symptoms (hello, Kussmaul breathing!), and what providers often miss — like dehydration, vomiting and abdominal pain. They break down how to spot DKA with capnography and EKG changes, especially when hyperkalemia mimics a STEMI. From EMS management tips (don’t shut down those fast respirations!) to fluid resuscitation caveats, this is a crash course in saving DKA patients before they crash. Whether you’re running calls or managing chronic patients, this episode arms you with the clinical know-how and common-sense insight to handle DKA with confidence. Memorable quotes  “We're starting to see more increasing calls for type one diabetes, insulin-dependent type two diabetes ... and we need to be able to understand what we're doing. — Chris Cebollero “One of the big clues in the scenario is the vomiting. Lots of DKA patients will have vomiting and abdominal pain.” — Kelly Grayson “A lot of times, these hyperkalemia patients and these acidotic patients are going to be handled just fine by correcting their fluid deficits and correcting their glucose with an insulin drip. Just getting their glucose back down to normal level is going to manage the lion's share of the hyperkalemia.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to suggest episode ideas or to pitch someone as a guest!

What does accountability actually look like in EMS? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson get into the gritty details — beyond the management-speak — and outline the 7 pillars of accountability that can make or break an EMS organization. From character and unity, to urgency and evolution, they explore how each pillar builds a culture that supports excellence, trust and growth in the field. The discussion gets into metrics that actually matter (and no, “we’re doing fine” isn’t a metric), urgency that respects both speed and precision, and how to develop a reputation that earns trust from coworkers and ED staff alike. Whether you’re in a leadership role or still riding the bench seat, this episode is a masterclass in personal and organizational accountability. Memorable quotes “Integrity is how you behave when no one’s looking.” — Kelly Grayson “You don’t let anybody dictate your own professionalism.” — Chris Cebollero “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” — Kelly Grayson “Do you want speed or accuracy? I want both.” — Chris Cebollero “If you're practicing EMS like you did 5 years ago, you're behind the times.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email us at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas or suggest a guest!

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

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

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

In honor of First Responder Wellness Week, Inside EMS hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson go beyond the surface-level tips and dig into what true wellness looks like in this profession. Spoiler: it’s messy, personal and sometimes terrifying. Kelly shares his deeply personal journey from a spinal surgery and a near-fatal pulmonary embolism to dropping over 140 pounds and reclaiming his life. At his heaviest, he was 410 pounds. Today? He’s neck-and-neck with Chris on the scale, rocking a 40-inch waist after shedding a whole foot from his midsection. But this episode isn’t about bragging — it’s about honesty. Kelly gets vulnerable about depression, self-doubt and EMS culture’s toxic relationship with self-care. He also drops hard-earned advice on meal prepping, smarter snacking and how to make real progress without crash diets or guilt trips. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and not liked what you saw — or felt the creeping realization that this job might just break you — this one’s for you. Kelly’s story isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about survival, resilience and building a new life, one lap at a time. Memorable quotes "EMS is not an active profession. It’s 23 hours of boredom and an hour of blind panic." "It’s not simply a matter of willpower, but support, attainable goals, and short increments add up over the years." "You have to get serious about what you want to feel like, what you want to look like." "I said, 'What are you doing this for? Are you doing this to die, knowing what killed you?'" Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Billions of dollars from opioid settlements are flowing into communities, but how does EMS get a slice of the pie? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero is joined by Corey Carlson, EMS segment lead at Lexipol, to break it all down. Carlson simplifies the complex world of opioid settlement funding, sharing exactly where the money is, who controls it and how EMS agencies — both public and private — can apply. From funding for training, mental health support, AEDs, cardiac monitors, ambulances and even K-9 units, there are countless ways EMS can use these funds. The key? Knowing who to ask and how to frame the request. If your EMS agency could use a financial boost (and let’s be real — whose couldn’t?), this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you claim your share of the $56 billion (and counting) in opioid settlement funds. Additional grant-funding resources: EMS grants: 5 steps to success Debunking the top 5 EMS grant myths: Insights for success 10 books every EMS grant writer needs Guide to securing Congressionally directed funds This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by ZOLL Medical. Learn more about ZOLL’s products for EMS at zoll.com/solutions/ems-and-fire. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Sitting for the National Registry exam might rank up there with colonoscopies in terms of excitement, but EMS educator Dan Limmer recently took the test. Why? To stay sharp, to keep his licenses and to see firsthand how the test has evolved. And guess what? He walked out impressed. In this episode of Inside EMS, Dan sits down with host Chris Cebollero to break down his experience, share study strategies and offer test-taking wisdom for new and seasoned medics alike. He highlights how the test isn’t just a memory game — it’s about judgment, application and truly understanding why you make the decisions you do in the field. From tackling the anxiety factor to navigating new question formats (hello, multi-response and scenario-based questions), Dan gives practical advice for anyone gearing up for the exam. Whether you’re an EMT candidate or a veteran paramedic thinking about challenging yourself with a retest, this episode is packed with useful takeaways. Memorable quotes “Nobody ever comes out of the registry exam saying, ‘Oh, that was easy.’” “I was in awe of the way they give you a little bit of information, but then make a big ask, and the different ways they can ask questions — I just think it's a good exam.”  “If you read your book and you paid attention and did well in class, when you finish your class, your book shifts from a primary source to a reference.” RATE & REVIEW Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS Feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In EMS, where the stress is high and space is tight, conflict is bound to happen. Whether it’s a personality clash with your partner, frustration over unclear responsibilities or a disagreement with leadership, knowing how to navigate workplace tension is a crucial skill.   In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson break down conflict resolution strategies. Whether you’re dealing with an overbearing supervisor, a partner who won’t pull their weight or just the everyday stress of the job, this episode will arm you with the tools to handle conflict effectively.  Memorable quotes: “My way of dealing with these conflicts is, I try to remind myself that they're not so different from me. They want the same things in life. They just differ in how they want to get there.” — Kelly Grayson  “We hear all the time that perception is reality, but what does that really mean? It means, if somebody thinks that you've slighted them, you've slighted them.” — Chris Cebollero   “Regardless of how good you are at practicing the art and science of leadership, conflict always happens, right?” — Chris Cebollero  Additional resources:   Toxic partners: The damage they do in EMS  EMT partners: ‘The people that really make it happen’ on calls  The 3-part EMS assessment: Your patient, your partner and yourself  How to tell if your EMS partner is a jerk  When crew dynamics disrupt patient care Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest!

New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans are always a spectacle, but this year, tragedy struck at 3:15 a.m. A truck barreled into the crowds, triggering what first responders feared was a vehicle-ramming attack. Within moments, New Orleans EMS was in full mass casualty mode — triaging, treating and coordinating with law enforcement amid the unfolding chaos. But things quickly escalated. As Chief Bill Salmeron recounts, responders soon discovered not only multiple critical patients, but also a shootout, a downed suspect and the chilling realization that explosive devices had been planted nearby.  In this gripping episode, Chief Salmeron shares the inside story of how his team handled one of the most intense incidents in recent New Orleans history. He walks through the initial response, communication challenges and how well-drilled interagency coordination played a pivotal role. But beyond the logistics, he also speaks to the emotional toll — how EMS crews handled the psychological weight of triaging patients, working alongside grieving families and processing the magnitude of the event in the days after.  Top quotes “You don’t see that many fatalities in one place with possible explosives, an active shooter — or at least you shouldn’t in a civilian EMS world — but we do.” — Chief Bill Salmeron "Anybody can command a scene. You don't have to be a paramedic. You don't have to be a chief or a doctor or whatever it is." — Chief Bill Salmeron Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Nick Maltby, chief of service for New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance Service, and a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and PTSD. Nick brings a unique perspective, blending frontline EMS experience with mental health expertise to tackle one of the biggest issues in EMS today — mental health support that actually works. Memorable quotes “Depression is a voice that whispers to you that you can't do all the things that bring you joy.” — Kelly Grayson “The first step to a problem getting worse is thinking, ‘I can't tell anybody, because if I did, they would ostracize me, they would fire me, they wouldn't be my friend,’ but it’s all in your head.” — Nick Maltby Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss some of the biggest news stories in EMS from the month. First up: A fire chief in Colorado is under investigation for running nearly 300 medical calls on an expired paramedic certification from 2019. What happens when leadership sets a bad example for their crews? The pair also discuss several mental health initiatives, including the University of Washington’s new first responder training program and the mental health teams supporting evacuees of California’s wildfires. Plus, Chris reacts to an idea floated by the new White House administration to reduce FEMA’s role, and Kelly gives his take on why the agency – despite its flaws – is a necessity. Have an EMS-related news story you want Chris and Kelly to analyze? Send an email to theshow@ems1.com. Memorable quotes  “If you don't want to pay for it, then, then don't gripe about poor response times ... or inadequate care, because you wouldn't pay for it.” — Kelly Grayson “ You know, during COVID, we were heroes.  And we squandered that goodwill and let ourselves be pushed onto the back burner until something horrific happens to California. And then firefighting leaps into the breach again. Then, those citizens are incredibly grateful, but when this is all over, they'll fade back into obscurity again.” — Kelly Grayson This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by Philips. Time to take pre-hospital emergency care to the next level. Time for Tempus. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of Inside EMS, Chris and Kelly are joined by Tim Redding, founder and CEO of Emergency Education Consultants, to explore a topic that’s reshaping how we think about medicine: male-centric healthcare. Tim shares insights from Dr. Alyson J. McGregor’s groundbreaking book, “Sex Matters”, which explores how medical research and education have historically centered on white male patients, leaving women underserved and misdiagnosed. From cardiac care to drug research, Tim explains how biases have permeated everything from symptom recognition to treatment protocols. Did you know that women experiencing heart attacks rarely exhibit the “classic” symptoms, like chest pain? Or that 8 out of 10 drugs pulled from the market between 1997 and 2001 were due to severe side effects in women? If you’re someone passionate about improving patient outcomes, this episode will make you rethink what you know – and don’t know – about women’s health in EMS. Memorable quotes “Medicine historically has been white males doing the doctoring, writing the textbooks and doing the studies. So, what that has led to, by no one’s fault, is to this very male-centric view of medicine.” “The most accurate tool for confirming and diagnosing MI in women is an MRI and that really blew my mind.  I can’t think of any time that I’ve heard a doc say, ‘Let’s get an MRI for that cardiac female patient.’” Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Ever wonder what really happens inside the body during shock? This week, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS).  From vasoconstriction to fluid retention, they break down this complex topic with real-life examples, a sprinkle of humor and practical tips for how EMS providers can apply this knowledge in the field. Kelly shares the importance of understanding the “why” behind shock presentations, from recognizing when fluids won’t work to knowing when vasopressors are the answer. With anecdotes like treating a sepsis patient on ACE inhibitors and using pulse ox waveforms for clues, this episode blends science with field-tested wisdom. Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, or just an anatomy nerd, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how the RAAS keeps us alive – and how we, as EMS professionals, can work smarter alongside it. Memorable quotes “It's called, ‘The Renan Angiotensin Aldosterone System – not just a planetary belt in Star Wars’”. — Kelly Grayson “So, the kidneys now say, ‘We're not getting enough blood. Here's this renin that we're gonna send out because we've gotta fix this problem.’ What the body doesn't know is that Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson and you are out there trying to fix it. So it’s trying to fix itself.” — Chris Cebollero Related resources: Understanding push dose pressors Understanding prehospital vasopressors: Dopamine, epinephrine or norepinephrine? A basic overview of shock for EMS Compensated vs. decompensated shock: what you need to know ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. RATE & REVIEW Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson explore leadership insights drawn from a recent post by The Humbled Medic blog, which highlights lessons from the hit Apple TV show “Ted Lasso.” Known for its humor and heart, the show serves as a surprising but fitting blueprint for leadership, especially for EMS educators and professionals.  The hosts discuss the importance of embracing the philosophy “be curious, not judgmental,” a guiding principle that urges EMS providers to set aside assumptions about patients and colleagues. Other takeaways include the value of challenging oneself to grow, the significance of second chances, and the power of building a trusted support system.   From embracing discomfort, to cultivating belief in others and finding small ways to show kindness, the episode encourages EMS professionals to lead with both heart and purpose.  ABOUT THE SPONSOR  Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com.  RATE & REVIEW  Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This year, EMS brought more than its fair share of jaw-dropping moments, and as we wrap up 2024, we’re revisiting five of the craziest stories that made headlines. From a massive chemical plant fire in Texas prompting a shelter-in-place order, to a sand hole tragedy on a Florida beach, these events highlight the unpredictability of EMS work. Ever had a crash victim ejected so far from their vehicle, they landed on a roof? That’s exactly what happened in Michigan. Or a tractor-trailer cab dangling precariously off a bridge? Louisville firefighters made a daring rescue of a semi-driver in just such a predicament. And let’s not forget the aquarium at a Texas hospital that literally cushioned the blow of a car crashing into the ER. Turns out, those tropical fish weren’t just for decoration after all. These stories remind us that no call is ever routine, and the unpredictable nature of EMS keeps us on our toes. It’s also a good reminder to revisit training and be ready for the “what-ifs,” from trench rescues to chemical response protocols. Quotables “In public safety, everybody’s an expert about someone else’s call.” “If you work a wreck after midnight and don’t find a drunk, keep looking — someone is missing.” “The body can take a crazy amount of trauma and still survive.” “All I can think is some hospital administrator somewhere is saying, ‘See? That aquarium was worth it.’” “Dark humor isn’t always the best coping mechanism, but it’s how we survive the job.” Top 5 craziest EMS calls of 2024 Aquarium likely saved lives when car crashed into Texas ED 2 dead, dozens injured in hazmat leak at Texas refinery 911 calls from fatal Fla. sand hole collapse released Ejected in fiery crash, Mich. driver lands on roof of house Dash cam video shows Ky. truck left hanging off bridge after crash Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest. ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com.

EMS pay and retention – or the lack thereof – is at the heart of this week’s episode of Inside EMS. Hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle a news item out of Dougherty County, Georgia, where a recent exodus of EMS professionals spurred long-overdue pay raises and bonuses. The discussion then shifts to Pickens County, Alabama, where a lack of funding led to a total EMS shutdown. Chris and Kelly explore how underfunded systems collapse under the weight of low reimbursement rates, poor public understanding of EMS costs, and systemic inaction until tragedy strikes. Through real-world examples, the hosts unpack why it’s essential to “vote with your feet” as an EMS professional and how agencies can keep talent by either paying well or fostering loyalty – though they can’t afford to fail at both. If you’ve ever wondered why EMS seems stuck in a financial rut, this episode offers insights that hit close to home. ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. RATE & REVIEW Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into a vital topic: the culture of accountability in EMS. Sparked by FireRescue1’s Chief Marc Bashoor’s thought-provoking article, "Where is our culture of accountability?", the hosts explore why change is so difficult to embrace, how leadership impacts culture and what steps agencies can take to help foster accountability across an organization. From managing expectations to addressing fairness in discipline, our cohosts discuss the challenges of enforcing standards and avoiding the normalization of deviance. Whether it's implementing safety protocols or shifting organizational norms, this episode unpacks how leaders and teams can work together to inspire meaningful change. Quotable takeaways “The only one who likes change is a wet baby.” — Kelly Grayson “If you don’t correct something, that thing becomes the new standard.” — Kelly Grayson “Vision is where we’re going; strategy is how we’re going to get there and culture is the behavior of the organization in reaching the vision.” — Chris Cebollero “Turnover isn’t the end of the world.” — Kelly Grayson ----more---- ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. RATE & REVIEW Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

EMS agencies are facing mounting challenges, from staffing shortages and rising operational costs to increasingly complex compliance requirements. However, advanced data systems and integrated technology offer solutions to these persistent issues.   In this episode of Inside EMS, Clinical and Business Consultants Jason Bartholomai and Chuck Sweeney of ZOLL Data Systems discuss how robust EPCR systems and streamlined workflows can reduce inefficiencies, improve patient care and ease the burden on EMS teams.   Here are top takeaways leaders can learn from this episode about overcoming today’s EMS challenges. 1. Staffing shortages: Doing more with less Use technology to reduce workload inefficiencies and support field personnel.   Staffing shortages are a top concern for EMS leaders nationwide. Long shifts, redundant documentation and poor integration between field and dispatch operations exacerbate the stress on paramedics. EPCR systems can alleviate some of these pressures by: Streamlining documentation with intuitive workflows that reduce time spent on reports Improving coordination between field crews, dispatchers and billing teams through integrated software solutions Enhancing employee satisfaction by minimizing administrative burdens and allowing more focus on patient care and recovery time By implementing systems that improve efficiency, EMS agencies can help retain personnel and maximize the output of limited resources. 2. Compliance made simpler: Staying ahead of standards Holistic software ecosystems can simplify compliance and improve data accuracy.   Compliance with NEMSIS standards and other reporting requirements is growing increasingly complex. Leaders must ensure that their systems capture accurate data to meet clinical, operational and legal standards to: Prevent incomplete reports from moving forward Highlight missing critical fields, such as patient signatures or demographic data, which can stall reimbursement Provide real-time feedback for quality improvement (QA/QI) Integrating compliance directly into workflows ensures fewer errors and smoother billing cycles, saving agencies time and resources. 3. Faster reimbursement through smarter workflows Improving cash flow starts with high-quality data entry at the source.   EMS leaders often overlook how documentation practices impact financial performance. Efficient EPCR systems improve clean claim rates by: Guiding paramedics to include all required information during documentation Automating processes like importing EKG results and demographic data Flagging incomplete or incorrect entries before claims are submitted By speeding up documentation and addressing gaps early, EMS agencies can ensure faster reimbursements and predictable cash flow. 4. Breaking down silos: Building an integrated ecosystem Aligning workflows across departments enhances efficiency and collaboration.   EMS operations are not limited to field crews. Dispatchers, billers and managers play critical roles in delivering care and sustaining operations. Integrated systems ensure that: Dispatchers, paramedics and billers share a unified platform, fostering communication and reducing friction Teams are trained holistically to understand each other’s roles and responsibilities Operational, clinical and financial data flow seamlessly across departments Such alignment reduces redundancies, boosts productivity and allows agencies to operate more effectively under tight constraints. 5. Preparing for legal challenges with better documentation Accurate, detailed reports protect EMS providers in legal scenarios.   In EMS, thorough documentation is not just a requirement – it’s a safeguard against legal liability. EPCR systems help paramedics document essential details clearly and accurately, reducing the risk of errors that could be exploited in court. Training crews to use these tools effectively ensures that charts provide a source of truth in any legal or compliance review. Final thoughts Jason Bartholomew summed it up best: “Doing something is better than doing nothing.” EMS agencies should start small, focusing on one area for improvement, such as data validation or staff training, before expanding into comprehensive ecosystem integration. Chuck Sweeney emphasized the importance of buy-in from all levels, noting that shared understanding and collaboration across departments are critical to long-term success.   By adopting robust technology and fostering teamwork, EMS leaders can tackle the headaches of staffing shortages, compliance demands, and financial uncertainty – all while improving the quality of patient care.   EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors. About the sponsor ZOLL Data Systems’ cloud-based solution suite of EMS and Fire solutions covers the scope of your operations, from dispatch to patient care, to incident and operational reporting, to billing. Learn how ZOLL software can help improve clinical, operational and financial performance of your organization at zolldata.com. Rate & Review the Inside EMS Podcast Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed.   Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This week, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson host a virtual book club as they count down the top 10 essential texts that paramedics should have on their shelves – a mix of useful references, anatomy and physiology deep dives, and heartfelt memoirs that capture the essence of EMS work. From learning resources, to comic relief, there’s something for everyone in this list. Did our cohosts exclude a favorite EMS-focused book? Send your suggestions to editor@ems1.com for inclusion in a future article. Memorable quotes “I think that a good paramedic is someone who is proficient in their knowledge and their skills, and keeps up to date. That's a good paramedic. A great paramedic adds empathy and compassion to that list. And that's what differentiates the confident ones from the great ones.” — Kelly Grayson “The central message is that Teddy Roosevelt quote: ‘People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’” — Kelly Grayson ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. RATE & REVIEW Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

How old are you in EMS years? Are you using clinical skills that should be put out to pasture? Listen as cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson debate the effectiveness of “retired” EMS skills, like nasal and digital intubation, and whether the value of those skills has held up over time. Memorable quotes “If you’re not proficient with all the tools in your box, what does that say about your training?” “I take a lot of pride in having a deep bag of tricks to pull from. And I can't count the number of times that some obscure piece of knowledge, or an assessment or treatment technique worked for me in the field when everyone else had given up or not even considered it.” ----more---- ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Last week, Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson laid out the top 10 indications of a bad EMS supervisor (Did you miss it? Catch it here!). This week they’re tackling the top signs of a bad employee, such as poor attendance, lack of initiative and a bad attitude – that’s not you, right? Listen as our duo reflects on each characteristic and where they have seen (or exhibited!) those traits in their career. Memorable quotes "If you’re emotionally intelligent and honest with yourself, you probably see yourself in some of these things."   "It’s not over until the paperwork – or the ambulance – is ready for the next day."   "Being disengaged shows up in things you don’t think matter, like documentation and keeping the ambulance stocked."  ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. RATE & REVIEW Enjoying the show? Send an email to the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

The What Paramedics Want in 2024 report, produced by EMS1 and Fitch & Associates, found respondents to the 2024 EMS Trend Survey ranked leadership No. 4 in the critical issues facing EMS today (behind only retention, funding & reimbursement, and career development). In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson expose the unpleasant side of EMS leadership by naming the top 10 signs of a bad manager. From communication breakdowns to micromanagement nightmares, they explore what makes some managers, well … not so great, while dishing out hard truths about inconsistent leadership, the dangers of favoritism, and the importance of empathy. Want to know if your manager is part of the problem – or if you're on your way to becoming one? Check it out! TOP QUOTES "Communication is the language of leadership." “When you show no concern for the employees, for their interests, you have a breeding ground for developing a toxic work environment.” “The true measurement of workforce success is how engaged, satisfied and productive the workforce is – nothing else matters.” “You need to care about these people and love them a little bit, as well.” ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. REACH OUT Enjoying the show? Please contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

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

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

This week on Inside EMS, our cohosts discuss a recent study out of UC Davis Health that highlights the benefits of using naloxone in opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest response. Chris and Kelly discuss the results and debate how this knowledge could impact OHCA protocols. Top quotes “If you look at the … survival of hospital discharge, the number needed to treat was 26. So 1 in 26 patients you would do this to has a chance of surviving the hospital discharge. That's pretty compelling. It's going to change my practice.” — Kelly Grayson “It's obviously needed information considering how bad the opioid overdose epidemic is in the United States. The numbers are compelling – the fact that this affects so many of our out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and that this actually shows pretty strong evidence of improved outcome.” — Kelly Grayson “We think about over the past 20 years, and now with fentanyl being part of that process, we're starting to see a lot more [drug-related cardiac arrests] and there's an urgent need for this evidence that allows us to now figure out if Narcan can make a difference in OHCAs.” — Chris Cebollero This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, our hosts delve into a heated discussion on the topic of time requirements and response times in EMS – are they necessary or a nuisance? Listen and watch as Kelly Grayson and Chris Cebollero go back and forth on the history, the reliance and the continued use of response times as a standard metric in EMS.   Top quotes "We are in a mess and a corner we painted ourselves into with response time standards." – Kelly Grayson "The dislike of response times really has to be respectful of how the response times came about. We were trying to develop a system and show that we can make a difference." – Chris Cebollero "We created this expectation and no one is going to change this expectation if not us." – Kelly Grayson This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero walks cohost Kelly Grayson through his recent emergency trip to Italy after his sister experienced a major medical crisis while on vacation in the country. He talks through his shock at certain protocols that would never be found in the U.S., leading to a discussion about necessary care vs. defensive medicine and how that dichotomy is stark between the two countries. Top quotes “The quality of care or the TLC, if we call it, is significantly less than what we’re used to over here. There were a couple of days when my sister was laying on a bed with no sheets. There were a couple of days where she was naked and I asked about getting her a gown or something.” — Chris Cebollero "[The U.S. healthcare system] will enthusiastically commit to what other countries would consider futile care.” — Kelly Grayson “How much stuff do we do in the United States because of defensive medicine and the differences in our legal and our court system than everybody else?” — Kelly Grayson This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“Marijuana use is becoming part of a societal norm.” Our cohosts tackle one of the more contentious topics in the industry, as Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson debate the logistics and implications of allowing EMS providers to consume marijuana in their off-duty time. The use of federal money by most agencies in the country makes this a difficult task. Listen as the discussion tackles the debate from all sides.  Top quotes “We don't require that people not be impaired from alcohol while off duty.” “There's no test for impairment. For alcohol use, the test is literally about reaction time and fine motor skills. It's literally a test to see if you can operate heavy machinery. And there is no such thing for marijuana use.” “I think it's time we started to look at this realistically rather than this condemnation of marijuana as the devil's lettuce.” This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“You need to set the standard; the standard starts and ends with you.” On this week’s episode of Inside EMS, our cohosts discuss how industry leaders can motivate frontline personnel to become the best clinical version of themselves. Chris and Kelly also preview their upcoming presentations at the Star Life Rural EMS conference, touching on topics ranging from airway management to personal development and leadership in EMS. Top quotes “The true measurement of leadership success is how engaged, satisfied and productive the workforce is.” — Chris Cebollero “When we focus on the workforce as being the most important component to the success of the organization; when the workforce grows, the organization grows.” — Chris Cebollero “Your vision statement is the most important document inside your organization, and it amazes me when leaders in the organization don’t know their own vision statement.” — Chris Cebollero This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“All of EMS is volunteerism.” This week, host Chris Cebollero is joined by industry advocate and EMS1 columnist Nancy Magee to discuss the current state of volunteerism in the profession. The conversation explores how leaders can balance the demands placed on volunteers with proper recognition, support and understanding, while also being responsive to the community’s needs. Top quotes from the episode “Volunteering is its own reward. It really can help you in your head space, but you don't get that until you try it.”  “People have to know that what they do made a difference. You're important to the agency. We need you and what you do every day, whether it's putting a little old lady back in her bed or recognizing that she's decompensating and not that she dropped the remote this time.” “It has to be understood by the community that EMS costs money. And you're getting a great bang for your buck if you have competent, local, readily available volunteers.” This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

This week, our Inside EMS cohosts discuss the rise in popularity of semiglutide drugs – like Ozempic – used for weight loss. Chris and Kelly discuss what providers should know about the use of these drugs, for their personal use and how complications may present in patients. Top quotes "If you're using semiglutide drugs purely as your only means of weight loss, you're going to rebound."  “You eat at odd hours, you eat at odd intervals. You eat something nuked in a microwave at a 7/11. Those are horrific eating habits, and it teaches your body to just hoard calories and food, and you wind up gaining weight that way. There's a lot of fat people in EMS, myself included, that are proof of that.”  "A lot of drugs out there came on the market for something and now we're using it for something else."  This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“We've got to be on top of our game when it comes to clinical dosing of medications, from oxygen to ketamine.” This week, Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into an article by Joshua Davies on the use of chemical restraints in the field. They discuss the pros and cons of different medications, including a lively discussion on the use of versed and why ketamine is a good drug … when dosed and used properly. Top quotes "You should have a fairly extensive formulary of antipsychotic and sedative agents available to you." "We need to stop worrying about what we're seeing in the news and train our providers." "We really have to be able to give our medical director confidence that whatever is in the protocol and whatever they want to give us in the protocol, we have the competency to do that work and do that skill." This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“If you're the smartest one in the room, you're in the wrong room.” Education is the word of the day on this episode of Inside EMS, as cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dissect the impact of higher learning on providers’ career longevity and advancement. Plus we dig into all this: Starter EMS agencies. “Some agencies might just have to be the minor leagues, the starter programs and the feeders to the real EMS agencies." Prioritizing your professional growth. “We're in charge of the career ladder. I shouldn't have to worry about my organization putting something in place for me to grow. They don’t owe that to me. It's my job to market myself and create the opportunity." Big picture impact of higher education. “When people say, ‘I don't need an education to be a paramedic,’ they don't know what they don't know. It's not until you get a little older and a little wiser that you realize the value of that education." This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“Even after all these years of being in EMS, I still want to learn.” Flying solo this week, Chris Cebollero takes a note from EMS1 columnist Tim Nowak, walking listeners through his “11 keys to success for the rookie EMT.” Though directed at new EMTs, Cebollero makes the point that Nowak’s list of advice is really poignant for anyone at any point in their EMS career.   Listen to learn:  The role ego plays on scene … and how to move past it  How to test your quick-thinking reflexes and level-up  The slow creep of complacency and how to avoid it  Top quotes  "When someone needs you and needs your ability and needs your knowledge and needs your skill, you don't need to be looking for the OB kit."  "Never settle for the minimum, whether it's the standard of patient care, compassion, continuing education hours."  “You are going to make mistakes. You need to learn from your mistakes. You need to make sure that you don't do those mistakes again.”  This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“When your communication is intuitive … that’s what makes EMS an art for me.” This week, our cohosts discuss what makes a good EMT partner and a supportive paramedic mentor. The discussion was inspired by EMT-B Clay Gilman’s recent EMS1 poem submission, “To my medic, from your EMT.” The conversation also touches on: The use of BLS intercepts in place of paramedic intercepts  How empowering EMTs can provide staffing relief  Why EMTs should be taught to think above all else  This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

This week on Inside EMS, MedStar’s Matt Zavadsky joins the show for the 10th time as a guest host to discuss potential changes to how the organization operates in the City of Fort Worth … as well as a change to Zavadsky’s personal career path. The pair also discuss: The four options on the table for transforming MedStar What a MedStar change means for the 13 surrounding cities it serves How the economics of EMS have changed since the pandemic This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

“We wanted to build something to solve the problem and help the paramedic, not hinder them.” Clive Savacool, CEO and founder of LogRx, joins the podcast this week to discuss preventing drug diversion/theft. Host Christ Cebollero and Savacool discuss: Who sets the tone for compliance accountability in an EMS organization The practice of gatekeeping narcotics from “drug seekers” Modernizing documentation practices to increase accuracy The LogRx smartphone platform and solution for tracking narcotics and other drugs This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into a legal case out of New Jersey in this week’s episode, in which law enforcement officers and EMS providers were recently charged with the in-custody, in-ambulance death of a patient under the influence of bath salts. The discussion also discusses a similar incident out of Colorado in which two paramedics and a police officer were convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain after he was injected with ketamine. Chris and Kelly share vulnerable moments from their careers when they regret not advocating for their patient in the face of law enforcement actions, plus we dig into all this: The growing legal scrutiny of EMS practices How to use de-escalation techniques to mitigate contentious situations with law enforcement partners The ethical responsibilities of EMS providers This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

“Sometimes we made decisions and wound up getting corrective action where maybe a culture of coaching would have taught me to grow.” Kelly Grayson puts the spotlight on fellow cohost Chris Cebollero this week as the pair discuss whether progressive discipline still has a place in EMS or if a move to a culture of coaching, as written about extensively by Chris, would have a more positive impact on retention rates, turnover, burnout and overall career satisfaction. Top quotes “Experience comes from mistakes and mistakes come from lack of experience.” – Chris Cebollero "I've gotten enough progressive discipline, enough paper that I can wallpaper a small closet." – Chris Cebollero “This isn’t about me wanting to fire you. This is about me wanting to make you the very best that you can be.” – Chris Cebollero This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

“Sometimes we make a decision, and it snowballs.” Our cohosts get vulnerable on this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, sharing times in their career when they suffered from cascade bias – using incorrect supplied or assumed information, which led to mistakes that compounded to the detriment of the patient. Have you experienced this in your career? Plus, we dig into all this: How to enhance your decision-making skills during times of uncertainty Which U.S. Air Force acronym can help with bias reassessment How experience can work against providers when it comes to bias This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

This week our cohosts are talking about everyone’s favorite activity: public speaking. While you may not love talking to a crowd, knowing how to effectively deliver a presentation is not just for leaders. Providers at all levels should know how to communicate on a complex topic to a group of people. And who knows more about expounding on complex EMS topics than Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson? The pair highlight their extensive experience as educators and industry speakers, discussing: The key components of effective public speaking How to make presentations more dynamic Why you should be intimately familiar with your material Tips and tricks for new public speakers This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

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

Chris Cebollero is flying solo on this episode of Inside EMS as he details the impact of authenticity and integrity in EMS. Through anecdotes and insights, he illustrates how credibility influences leadership effectiveness, team trust and the reputation of the EMS profession. Memorable quotes “EMS is a very egotistical business; it’s the egotism that keeps us from asking ‘why?’” “Experiences come from mistakes and mistakes come from a lack of experience.” “Never allow your emotions to dictate your actions.” About the sponsor This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

In this week’s episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into situational awareness, and the complexities and challenges faced every day by EMS professionals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of staying alert and prepared in emergency situations, following Cooper's Colors – a model illustrating different states of awareness from "tuned out" to "comatose." This week’s conversation touches on:   The significance of situational awareness in EMS and how it can be the difference between life and death in emergency scenarios. Strategies for maintaining and improving situational awareness on the job, including practical applications of Cooper's Colors and mental preparation techniques. The psychological and emotional challenges of EMS work, offering insights into how EMS professionals navigate stress, uncertainty and the complexities of emergency response. Memorable quotes "I think that paramedics are great at ensuring the scene is safe. I think paramedics and EMTs are poor once we say the scene is safe ... we forget about what's going on." — Chris Cebollero "’Safe scenes’ are what get EMTs killed because we don't go into unsafe scenes. It's the scene that we initially deemed safe that gets you killed because you don't see it coming." — Kelly Grayson About the sponsor This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com. EMS1 uses generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

The latest episode of the Inside EMS podcast features a conversation with Mic Gunderson, president of the EMS Quality Academy and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Paramedicine. The discussion offers insights into the evolution of EMS publications and the importance of quality and research in advancing the field. Memorable quotes "The people that most need to read current EMS research are the people most or least likely to read it." — Kelly Grayson “It isn't really the people that were sitting in the cubicle with the red pen, marking up, you know, paper charts you know, and playing quality cop in the corner that were going to change process and system design and fundamentally improve the quality of what we do. It's really about the whole way the organization is managed.” — Mic Gunderson Key takeaways The evolution of EMS publications. Gunderson detailed the journey from the inception of the National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA) to the creation of the International Journal of Paramedicine. Highlighting the shift from a quality manager's focus to a broader management perspective, the conversation underscored the journal's role in elevating EMS discussions through scholarly discourse. A platform for diverse discourse. The International Journal of Paramedicine aims to expand beyond clinical topics to include operations, administration and science, offering a wide lens on EMS practices. The challenge of engaging the frontline. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around engaging EMS practitioners in research and quality improvement. The podcast highlighted the need for accessible and relevant research to inform practice and encourage progressive changes in prehospital care. Community and collaboration. The podcast underscored the importance of community involvement in advancing EMS research and quality. Gunderson's call for volunteers and contributors to the journal reflects a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration within the EMS field. The episode serves as a reminder of the vital role of research, quality improvement and community collaboration in advancing EMS practices. About the sponsor This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss Orange County, Florida's adoption of live stream technology for 911 calls, a move that promises to enhance the quality of emergency response through better triage and patient care. This episode of Inside EMS Podcast exemplifies the ongoing evolution of emergency medical services, marked by technological innovation, educational advancements, and the importance of leadership and community engagement in shaping the future of EMS. Learn more: Fla. county launches livestream option for 911 calls Cebollero and Grayson discussed how integrating video technology into 911 dispatch can improve EMS response in the following ways: Enhanced triage accuracy. Live streaming allows dispatchers to visually assess the situation, leading to more accurate triage and resource allocation. This visual context can be crucial in determining the urgency and nature of the response needed. By providing dispatchers with a live visual feed, EMS teams can be better prepared upon arrival, knowing what to expect and potentially improving patient outcomes. Supporting scene safety. Live streaming video in 911 dispatch can significantly improve scene safety for emergency medical personnel by providing real-time visuals of the incident site before their arrival. This advanced insight allows paramedics and EMTs to assess potential hazards, understand the severity of the situation, and prepare appropriate safety measures in advance. This technology empowers responders with crucial information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their approach and ensuring they can protect themselves effectively while delivering critical care. Improved dispatcher-patient interaction: The ability to see the caller and the scene in real-time enhances communication between dispatchers and those in need, fostering a more empathetic and effective exchange of information. Efficiency in emergency response. Visual cues obtained through live streaming can help in quickly identifying the nature of the emergency, potentially reducing response times and increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Enhanced training opportunities. Recorded live streams can serve as valuable training tools, offering real-life scenarios for emergency responders and dispatchers to learn from and improve their skills. Cross-agency collaboration. The integration of live streaming technology encourages collaboration between EMS, fire departments, police and other emergency services, enabling a more coordinated response to incidents. While enthusiastic about the potential of new technologies, Cebollero and Grayson also discussed the need for caution and the anticipation of unforeseen challenges, particularly concerning the privacy and security of live streamed 911 calls. Also in this episode Innovations in EMS. Chris Cebollero shared his new role with QuickMedic and their innovative approach to utilizing paramedics for urgent care in collaboration with healthcare partners, indicating a shift towards more versatile roles for EMS professionals. He emphasized the importance of leadership and vision in developing effective teams across multiple states. Education and training. Kelly Grayson shared experiences from teaching a new accelerated paramedic program, stressing the importance of rigorous standards and personalized feedback to ensure student success, highlighting the evolving educational methodologies in EMS training. About the sponsor This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

Heart blocks present a significant challenge to EMTs and paramedics, demanding a high level of expertise and precision in both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the nuances of different types of heart blocks is crucial for effective patient management. The ability to accurately recognize and differentiate between various heart blocks, such as bifascicular, trifascicular and other types, is not just a matter of academic understanding but a vital skill in the fast-paced environment of EMS. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss how to train EMTs and paramedics to recognize, differentiate and treat heart blocks. Memorable quotes "Some of the drugs that we give are sometimes cause many problems as they solve." — Kelly Grayson "The best way to make an arrhythmia go away is to be prepared for the arrhythmia." — Kelly Grayson “One of the things that we're talking about here is pacing. And I don't think that that's two things that we do very well in EMS. Paramedics don't pace and paramedics don't cardiovert. And one of the things that you've got to be able to remember is when those patients need both.” — Chris Cebollero Key takeaways Understanding heart blocks, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve deep into the recognition and differentiation of heart blocks. Grayson emphasizes the challenge EMTs face in distinguishing between various heart blocks, such as bifascicular and trifascicular blocks, highlighting the need for thorough training and understanding. Treatment approaches. The podcast hosts discuss the traditional and contemporary treatment approaches to heart blocks, focusing on medications like atropine, lidocaine and procainamide. Grayson points out the delicate balance between treating the arrhythmia and avoiding exacerbating the patient's condition. Electrical therapy preference. Both hosts advocate for the use of electrical therapy ("the Edison medicine") in critical cases of arrhythmias. They stress the importance of pacing in cases of bradycardia and cardioversion in tachycardia, especially when the patient is hemodynamically unstable. Patient-centric care. A recurring theme is the importance of treating the patient, not just the monitor readings. This includes understanding when to apply treatments and recognizing when a wait-and-see approach might be more beneficial. Educational insights. Grayson shares his teaching methods, including the use of analogies and the "AV block cheat sheet" to simplify complex concepts for EMTs and paramedics in training. This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.  EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

Critical insights into the implications of recent court rulings on EMS practice and patient care This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into the complex and ever-evolving legal and ethical dimensions EMS. This episode comes in the wake of a significant court ruling in which two paramedics were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the Elijah McClain case. The hosts discuss this judgment's far-reaching implications for EMS professionals, emphasizing the heightened legal scrutiny and accountability now present in the field. Memorable quotes "More and more, we are starting to see prosecutors making examples of paramedics, EMTs, who are not doing the right thing, or them thinking they're not doing the right thing, and our peers are now starting to get connected with murder and manslaughter charges, and it's something that we have to be very, very cognizant of." — Chris Cebollero "I think that where this case went off the rails is that both paramedics involved forgot that they were first and foremost patient advocates and were acting as law enforcement." — Kelly Grayson "We're doing our job with ego and this isn't about you. This is about the people that call for our help, and we've got to break that habit, because our poor interactions with people are leading to those national calls when these folks die." — Chris Cebollero "What could be the worst day of somebody's life ... that's powerful, right? People forget what a privilege that is. But we have to be able to remember that our ego is not good for medicine." — Chris Cebollero "You should train and educate yourself enough that you're not in doubt very often, but you should be conservative and call someone for, for consultation. That's what medical control is for." — Kelly Grayson Key takeaways Cebollero and Grayson discussed the growing legal scrutiny faced by EMS professionals, with the following takeaways: Importance of accurate medication dosage. The conversation emphasized the criticality of correctly estimating a patient’s weight for administering weight-based medications. Misjudgment in dosage, as seen in the McClain case, can lead to severe consequences. EMS education and training needs. The podcast underscored the need for continuous education and situational awareness among EMS practitioners. The hosts debated how such high-profile cases could influence EMS practices and potentially lead to overly cautious behavior, which might not always be in the patient's best interest. Cebollero and Grayson stress the necessity for precise patient assessment, a skill that goes beyond technical expertise to encompass a deep understanding of the patient's condition and needs. Their discussion points to a growing need for EMS education and training to adapt and address these challenges, ensuring that EMS practitioners are equipped to make informed decisions in high-stakes situations. Patient advocacy and interaction. Another key aspect of the conversation is the role of paramedics as patient advocates. The hosts argue that EMS professionals should prioritize their medical responsibilities over any perceived obligation to law enforcement. This episode critically examines the ethical considerations in EMS, particularly in scenarios involving mental health or police involvement. By sharing personal experiences and insights, Cebollero and Grayson highlight the delicate balance EMS providers must maintain between following protocol, ensuring patient safety and navigating complex legal landscapes. Read for more: The EMS system failed McClain and the justice system failed the paramedics] Rate and review the Inside EMS podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. Catch a new episode every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. The first episode of Inside EMS in 2024, hosted by Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, offered valuable insights into what’s needed to overcome the challenges for EMTs, paramedics and EMS agencies in the year ahead. Memorable quotes "We need to take charge and, and steer our profession, and generally we don't – as a profession, we tend to be reactive rather than proactive." — Kelly Grayson "We have to be worthy of [trust and respect]. And that's what we're trying to do here. So be better than the people you've seen." — Kelly Grayson "You don't let the people around you dictate your professionalism." — Chris Cebollero "Patient assessment is the most important skill a paramedic, EMT has." — Chris Cebollero Key takeaways 2024 EMS Trend Survey. The hosts highlighted the importance of the What Paramedics Want in 2024 annual EMS trend survey focusing on recruitment, retention, safety, health, wellness, technology adaptation and career development. [Insert Promo module linking directly to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024WPW-EMS1] Future of EMS system design. The podcast touched on the issues faced by volunteer and rural EMS agencies, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and cooperation among various squads. The discussion focused on evolving EMS, particularly the potential shift from paramedic/EMT teams to dual EMT teams with paramedics in chase vehicles, to enhance the use of EMT capabilities. Advocating proactivity in EMS. Grayson stressed the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in shaping the EMS profession, especially in education and practice standards. Both cohosts underscored the importance of ongoing personal and professional development, advocating for a culture of continual learning and improvement in EMS. Enhancing education and professional standards. The conversation delved into the challenges of EMS education, particularly in teaching comprehensive patient assessment and encouraging paramedics to expect more of themselves. Grayson shared experiences from teaching paramedic classes, focusing on the need for instructors to balance high expectations with realistic goals for entry-level paramedics. The goal for 2024, as expressed by Grayson, is to produce a new wave of competent paramedics, challenging existing educational norms to improve overall EMS quality. Importance of patient assessment skills: The cohosts also emphasized the critical role of patient assessment in EMS, advocating for more thorough and continuous assessment throughout patient care. Read more. Rapid Response: Scene safety trumps patient care but does not replace duty The episode provided valuable insights into the current state and future directions of EMS, highlighting challenges and opportunities. These discussions are vital for EMTs and paramedics as they navigate their careers in 2024. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

CoAEMSP’s Executive Director, George W. Hatch Jr., discusses the EMS accreditation journey This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) plans to launch a voluntary programmatic accreditation for Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) by January. In this episode of Inside EMS1, cohost Chris Cebollero sits down with George W. Hatch Jr., EdD, LP, EMT-P, FAEMS, CoAEMSP’s executive director, to discuss the program. Top takeaways AEMT is not just an EMT with additional skills; it requires a broader skill set, including understanding pathophysiology and critical thinking. The decision to introduce voluntary accreditation for AEMT programs wasn't preplanned but came about due to discussions within the EMS community. This accreditation process is voluntary, and programs that choose not to pursue it can continue operating as they do currently. Accreditation will help standardize AEMT programs, improve pass rates on the national registry exam, and enhance the quality of EMS education. The process involves benchmarking programs against a set standard, and programs must satisfy sponsorship requirements. While there is no plan to extend this accreditation to EMT programs at the moment, it may be considered in the distant future if deemed necessary. Accreditation is part of the journey to elevate EMS to a profession and should be supported by those in the field. It's essential to stop complaining about the state of EMS education and start actively contributing to its improvement. Memorable quotes "It's about a process of improvement, a continual process of improvement." — Dr. Hatch "EMS may or may not be the choice that a lot of people want to make. We have to make it attractive and say, this is what you have to do to be in our profession." — Dr. Hatch EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this year's Inside EMS year-in-review episode, our cohosts, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, take a critical look at the major incidents that defined EMS in 2023. Together, they tackle: Paramedics behaving badly The episode begins with a focus on the troubling trend of subpar patient care and missteps. The hosts emphasize the importance of delivering compassionate and professional care on every call. They discuss the case in which EMS providers faced charges of first-degree murder after a patient died due to positional asphyxia, underscoring the need for accountability in the profession. Violence against providers Next, the hosts address the increasing incidents of violence against EMTs, including stabbings and assaults. They highlight the need for better safety measures and policies to protect EMS personnel. Criminalization of medical errors Shifting gears, the hosts delve into instances of medical errors, such as administering the wrong drug. They stress the critical importance of delivering high-quality patient care on every call, regardless of the nature of the complaint. Focus on CPR The discussion then turns to a dramatic moment in the NFL when Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a hit during a game. The hosts commend the quick response of athletic staff and paramedics, emphasizing the significance of well-executed resuscitation efforts. The demise of ET3 Finally, Chris and Kelly address the unexpected premature end of the ET3 model, a pilot program aimed at improving EMS care and reimbursement. The hosts express disappointment in CMS's decision and question the rationale behind it. In conclusion, this year-in-review podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the EMS field in the past year. It highlights the need for accountability, safety measures and ongoing efforts to improve patient care and EMS policies. Memorable quote: "Every single call that we run has to be done with the utmost dedication, commitment, professionalism, as if it was the last or maybe even the first EMS call we've ever run. Complacency is what kills there." EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into the crucial role of preceptors in EMS training and the impact they have on shaping the future of the profession. They emphasize the significance of preceptors as the "keepers of the flame" who pass on traditions and knowledge to new generations of EMS providers. Memorable quotes "Preceptors have a fundamental understanding of their role in shaping the future of the profession." — Kelly Grayson "Legacy. The keepers of the flame are not the instructors. They're not the officers. Officers come and go, but the preceptors are the keepers of the flame and pass on the traditions." — Kelly Grayson "Preceptors are probably the most important component of EMS education." — Kelly Grayson The hosts discuss the challenges and responsibilities of being a preceptor, emphasizing the need for preceptors to understand their role in shaping the future of EMS. They also touch on the importance of legacy and how preceptors play a pivotal role in maintaining and passing down the profession's traditions. Grayson underscores the value of preceptors, highlighting that they are the individuals who can guide and mentor new EMS providers, ultimately affecting the lives of countless patients. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing preceptors as vital contributors to EMS education. Listen to next: ‘You don’t know everything there is to know about EMS’ EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, the discussion centered on the practical application of leadership in EMS. The conversation highlighted the gap between commonly used leadership buzzwords and their real-world implementation. Key points Employee engagement and empowerment. The need for genuine engagement and empowerment in the workplace was stressed. Kelly Grayson shares an example of providing discounted meals for employees during hectic schedules as a concrete example of servant leadership. Leadership by buzzwords. Our cohosts raise concerns about leaders in EMS who rely on buzzwords without understanding their practical implications. They suggest many EMS leaders are caught up in an "ego vortex," focusing more on authority and titles rather than service and care. Personal leadership journey. Chris Cebollero shares his personal journey from being a "horrible leader" to understanding the essence of effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of emotional control and viewing challenges as solutions. Systemic issue in EMS leadership. The discussion highlights a systemic problem in EMS leadership, pointing out the lack of formal training and understanding of the art and science of leadership. Our cohosts stress that success in leadership should be measured by the engagement, satisfaction and productivity of the workforce. The Peter Principle. The conversation touches on the Peter Principle, where individuals are promoted to their level of incompetence. They note often, leaders are not equipped with the necessary tools and training for their roles. Difference between managers and leaders. A distinction is made between managers and leaders. Managers are described as those who enforce policies and procedures, whereas leaders are seen as doing the right thing and then justifying it officially. Learn more: Visit the EMS Leader Playbook Memorable quotes: "The true measurement of leadership success is how engaged, satisfied and productive the workforce is. Nothing else matters." — Chris Cebollero "Leadership is both an art and a science. You've got to know and understand the science before you can paint the portrait of organizational success." — Chris Cebollero This episode underscores the need for a paradigm shift in EMS leadership, moving away from traditional authoritative styles to a more engaged, empathetic and service-oriented approach. Rate and review Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss an incident that sparked fierce debate within the EMS community. The incident in question occurred on October 27, 2023, when a Washington, D.C., firefighter/EMT was dismissed for stopping at a Chick-fil-A before responding to an ALS call. The hosts discuss the ethical implications of this decision, emphasizing the duty to act in emergency services. Cebollero and Grayson, while acknowledging the challenging landscape of working in EMS, stressed that personal needs and comfort should never compromise the responsibility to respond to emergencies. They shared personal experiences of missing meals due to service calls. The hosts stress how the duty to act commitment to help others should always outweigh personal needs in emergency services. The discussion also centered on the commendable actions of D.C. Fire and EMS in addressing the incident. Grayson was firm in his belief that the action taken by the D.C. firefighter/EMT was unequivocally unethical and damaging to the public trust. The hosts underscored the importance of upholding the greatest standards of ethics and responsibility, even when not in the public eye. Memorable quotes "Ethics are how you behave when no one is looking. There's not a whole lot of gray area in ethical situations." — Kelly Grayson "The whole point of 911 and the honor of what we do is, you call, we come: no question." — Kelly Grayson "I can’t count the number of times I have been waiting in line for food and I've been dispatched to a call. I've had to get out of line. I've had to lose my money. I didn't get a chance to eat that day." — Chris Cebollero "We have a duty to act. We have to be able to respond as we need to respond, regardless of our own personal needs." — Chris Cebollero Read next: Duty to act, assess, treat and transport. A legal refresher for EMS providers RATE AND REVIEW Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss innovative approaches in EMS with guests Chief David Lewis and Kyle Gaines from the St. Charles County Ambulance District in Missouri. The district's unique approach to paramedicine, specifically in terms of substance use disorders, opioid use disorders and behavioral health, forms the crux of the conversation. Lewis shares how the escalating number of overdose cases necessitated a novel approach to community paramedicine. Starting as a passion project to save lives, the St. Charles County Mobile Integrated Healthcare Network was born from a need to tackle the overdose epidemic more effectively. Initially adopting a model from Ohio that involved paramedics, social workers and law enforcement officers responding to overdoses, they soon realized patients were reticent to engage when law enforcement was present. This led to the evolution of the program, with paramedics being specially trained to handle sensitive conversations, helping patients access treatment. Gaines discusses how educating their team members about addiction was instrumental in overcoming initial resistance to the program and ensuring its success. In the years since its inception, the program has grown and has proven to be effective, with about one in four patients they encounter eventually sitting in front of a treatment counselor. Read more: $1.5M grant allows SCCAD’s expansion of substance abuse program RATE AND REVIEW Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero Kelly Grayson delve into the intricacies of patient assessments in emergency medical situations. They dissect the value of thorough assessments versus focused evaluations, highlighting the critical role of differential diagnosis and the dire need for feedback in honing EMS skills. The duo debate whether a detailed head-to-toe assessment is always necessary or if a focused assessment based on the chief complaint suffices. Chris opines that a thorough examination provides a fuller picture, vital in cases where patients may not have seen a healthcare professional in years. Kelly, on the other hand, advocates for a focused approach, emphasizing efficiency and relevancy to the primary complaint, especially in high-pressure emergency scenarios. The dialogue unveils a significant challenge in EMS education and practice – the delineation between a medical and trauma assessment, and the traditional versus a more systems-based approach to patient evaluations. They both acknowledge that the nature and depth of assessments could vary based on the patient's ability to participate in the examination. One eye-opening anecdote from Chris revealed a situation where a misdiagnosis by a doctor led to a critical oversight in patient care, underscoring the importance of independent assessments and differential diagnosis in EMS practice. Chris shares a valuable lesson from this experience, emphasizing the need to "talk oneself into the diagnosis" rather than accepting a preliminary diagnosis at face value. Kelly also addressed a fundamental challenge in EMS – the lack of feedback, which stifles the opportunity for professionals to refine their assessment skills and knowledge base. He asks, "how difficult it is to improve the art of assessment and your skills if you don't get feedback?" The hosts encourage EMS professionals to share their insights and best practices, acknowledging the collective effort required to enhance patient assessment methodologies and ultimately, patient care. They wrap up the discussion with an invitation for listener feedback, fostering an ongoing dialogue to advance EMS practice. The episode serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation on patient assessment best practices, urging EMS practitioners to continually evaluate and refine their approach towards patient care, thereby enhancing the overall quality and efficacy of emergency medical services. RATE AND REVIEW Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the importance of integrity, documentation and tracking errors in the field. Chris spent the past week in jury duty, listening to prosecutors unsuccessfully try a murder case that resulted in a hung jury. He shares details that tripped up law enforcement officers testifying in the case, and the jury’s perspective on errors made, lies told and how integrity doubts derailed the case.   Memorable quotes “One of the things that you need to be able to remember is you should not talk about anything that is not written in your report, because they will tear it apart, and I watched that happen ... when we talk about documentation, why documentation is very, very important is because it's the little nuances that you leave out that now you're going to discuss that are going to get you into trouble.” — Chris Cebollero “In working with Gene Gandy back in the day …  he used to say that the plaintiff's attorney – in a malpractice case – his job is to make you look like a sloppy idiot, and your attorney's job is to make you look like Johnny Gage. And the weapon that each one of them will use is your report. And it's up to you to determine who it's more valuable to: the plaintiff's attorney or your attorney.” — Kelly Grayson “We, in civil cases in EMS, we don't really get a jury of our peers. You know, we may have people who are demographically very similar to us, but as far as judging our actions, what they know is Hollywood, which is about as realistic a portrayal of EMS and medicine in general as your average Disney movie.” — Kelly Grayson “The briefer your remarks, the better your case is going to be received, and that's true, you know, it's probably just like an EMS lecture. If you go on forever and ever, you lose people. You want to capture their interest, say what you need to say, and set the stage for what's going to come.” — Kelly Grayson Rate and review Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson welcome Chief Gary Ludwig to the podcast. The group discuss imparting knowledge to new medics and Ludwig’s latest book, “385 Things Veteran EMTs and Paramedics Can Teach You: Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Tips and Tricks of the Trade.” The book contains information on patient assessment, managing airways, starting IVs, penetrating trauma, crimes scenes and more. Chief Ludwig shares his experience with terrible PCRs, and why we should be teaching medics to write reports like our law enforcement partners. He shares tips like: Why you should always stay in the left lane How to avoid tipping stretchers Why to avoid abbreviations in PCRs For a signed copy, visit www.garyludwigbooks.com. About our guest  Gary Ludwig is a well-known author, educator, speaker, and consultant who has served in three fire departments over his career. His fire, EMS, rescue, 911 and emergency management career spans a total of 46 years, including 35 years in two metropolitan cities, St. Louis and Memphis. He has been a paramedic for over 44 years. He served as the president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) during the 2019-20 term, and was selected as the International Career Fire Chief of the Year in 2022. He has a master’s degree in business and management.  He has written over 500 articles for professional fire and EMS publications and is the author of four books.  He has also been invited to speak at over 400 professional EMS or fire conferences or seminars. He has won numerous awards including the International Career Fire Chief of the Year in 2022, the James O. Page EMS Leadership Award in 2014 and the IAFC EMS Section’s James O Page Achievement Award in 2018. He has managed two award-winning metropolitan EMS systems (Memphis and St. Louis) and was fire chief of an ISO Class 1 fire department (Champaign).  In 2022, he was appointed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to the National Advisory Council for FEMA.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 988. Counselors are also available to chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today. In this episode of Inside EMS, our cohosts,  Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, are joined by Willie Doan, a paramedic and academy coordinator from Newcastle, Delaware, to discuss the rampant issues of stress, depression, burnout, substance abuse and suicide among first responders. A recovering alcoholic, Doan shares his story of addiction, beginning with his first drink at 14, acknowledging that he often drank more than his peers, but never recognized it as a problem. As he joined EMS and began witnessing distressing scenes as part of his job, he continued to drink, sometimes using his work as an excuse, whether it was to celebrate a successful resuscitation or to numb the pain of a bad call. Despite his dedication to his duty, Doan admits that his addiction worsened. He didn't acknowledge his alcohol problem until he was in rehab and was educated about how substance abuse affects the brain. His turning point came about 604 days ago, when he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, his second in 6 years. Waking up with no recollection of the event, he asked his mother, "What's wrong with me?" This moment marked the beginning of his journey to recovery. Throughout the discussion, Willie underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing addiction in high-stress professions like first responders. His story serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, and that seeking help is the first step towards overcoming addiction. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.  Additional resources Addiction in EMS providers: Always see the human side Gordon Graham: First responders are not immune from the opioid crisis; here's what to know Self-care tips to recover from a traumatic EMS incident Healthy coping mechanisms: The most effective ways to combat stress The Code Green Campaign: Mental health resources for first responders

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, our cohosts,  Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the dire straights for rural EMS as Kelly settles into his new region in upstate New York. Tune in as they discuss: Why EMS isn’t deemed essential. Though more states are making moves to designate EMS an “essential” service, it’s not universal. What will the designation mean for EMS – and will it be a tax base? The volunteer shortage. With volunteers aging out of EMS, how do we bring new volunteers in? The diminishing numbers are not due to generational differences, Kelly says. “I used to be one of those people who said, ‘aw, kids these days,’ … it’s not the kids that are bad, it’s that EMS has failed to adapt to the times,” he noted. Getting over ego and grudges. Mergers and consolidation are a path to stem EMS closures, but require getting over old conflicts and for someone to step aside and make way for growth. They ask for your input: What will save rural EMS? Chat with our hosts at theshow@ems1.com. RATE AND REVIEW Catch a new episode every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Inside EMS has been serving up industry news and hot topics for 10 years, with over 600 shows and about 2 million listens! In this episode, our cohosts,  Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the importance of getting outside your rig, your agency and your silo to learn from others. Our dynamic duo break down an article from rural EMS expert Nancy Magee on the top 10 reasons to attend EMS conferences. Memorable quotes “If you’ve seen one EMS squad, you’ve seen one EMS squad, and way too many agencies only know their way of doing things, and they kind of stagnate – or they run the risk of stagnating – if they don’t get outside their own little bubble and see the ways that other agencies are doing things.” — Kelly Grayson “If you feel like you’re the smartest person in the room; you’re in the wrong room.” — Kelly Grayson “There are people who are doing the work in organizations who are far more advanced than you are.” — Chris Cebollero “There are very few new problems under the sun.” — Kelly Grayson Listen in as they discuss: Getting out of your comfort zone/tearing down your silos The benefit of networking – seeing what’s working for other agencies How enthusiasm is infectious Additional resources 10 reasons to attend EMS conferences EMS World Expo 2023: Welcome to New Orleans Can’t make it to EMS World Expo? Rate and review Catch a new episode every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. LIST

This episode of the Inside EMS podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline. The advanced network for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline. “To remember those who have sacrificed, and who ran up the stairs and escorted people in the eyes of danger, you owe it to them to try to be your best every day.” — Aaron Zamzow In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Cohosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Chris Cebollero come together to discuss preserving the legacy of 9/11 responders and to assess our readiness to respond to a large-scale MCI in our communities. Together, they dive into technology trends that we could (and should!) use to improve the security of citizens and first responders, from license plate readers to crime mapping, facial recognition, drone surveillance and AI analysis. Watch in as our panel discusses: Keeping the 9/11 legacy alive with new generations How awareness of occupational cancer and mental health concerns is more prevalent today Community preparedness and incident command 9/11-related illness and its continued impact and devastation today How AI can contribute to the security of citizens and first responders The importance of information sharing and security Memorable quotes Our cohosts shared poignant reflections of the infamous September day and offered their analysis on how best to prepare first responders for large-scale mass casualty events, with several notable takeaways: “It’s up to all of us to try to get better, try to improve, try to do something to hone our profession to provide the best service we can when we’re called to do that. And that doesn’t require a chief, that doesn’t require leadership; that requires a mirror, and that requires you and some dedication.” — Aaron Zamzow “After 9/11, we had PPE in the trunk of every radio car, and training every year, and little-by-little, the suits expired, the training stopped, the funds ran out; and we may be at a situation worse than before, so we need that impetus to take another run at preparedness, training, exercises, PPE, equipment, and a best practices manual, and that’s got to come from above so that we’re all doing it the same.” — Jim Dudley “The economic factor should not be a factor. FEMA puts out 100, 200, 700, 800 for free to law enforcement agencies and many more subsets beyond that. So if you are an agency – if you’re listening to this podcast – if you’re not practicing ICS, find out why and explain to your chief sheriff, ‘it’s free, we’ve got to do it; we should start doing it now.” — Jim Dudley  “We’re not working for today – we’re working for the next 5 and 10 and 15 years now – and how do we need to prepare for this?” — Chris Cebollero “We saw firefighters run into that building – there were police officers there too – that were in harm’s way, trying to get people out of there, and that’s what we do, and now we’re seeing ‘hey, even though we do that, there are harms beyond just that physical incident.’” — Aaron Zamzow “We’re in protective service and we need to be proactive in the way that we look at these things … we looked and said this could never happen; well it did, and we did a heck of a job responding after the fact, and we were very proactive after a period of time, and I think that’s gotten a little bit lax and we need to stay on our toes, stay vigilant, and I think that’s one of the best ways to remember all those people sacrificed in these events, is to grow from them.” — Aaron Zamzow Additional resources Read more reflections, tips for processing and lessons for training to respond to MCIs in our 9/11 coverage, sponsored by Verizon. Learn more with these resources mentioned in this episode, as well as additional articles from Police1, FireRescue1 and EMS1: The Raytom Group – training law enforcement officers in EMS Policing Matters: BRINC's Blake Resnick and Don Redmond on evolving drone technology ‎Policing Matters: Jamie Hudson on how Elk Grove’s Real-Time Information Center gathers and shares information AI in action: Enhancing school security with ZeroEyes' gun detection system FEMA’s free ICS training Why all law enforcement officers should read the 9/11 Commission Report POV: ‘It is time to demand adherence to NIMS/ICS and accountability for failure to implement’ On-Demand Webinar: What Firefighters Want from Incident Commanders Are we communicating better after 9/11? Responding to an MCI of 9/11’s proportions, with today’s limitations Rate and review Catch a new episode of Inside EMS every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. “Tell me a time when you were stressed and how you dealt with it.” You’ve like heard, answered or asked a variation of that question in one or more interviews during your career. But how can interviewers get more from their questions? In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a recent article by Lexipol Editorial Director, Greg Friese, MS, NRP; “How to use ChatGPT for paramedic interviewing, selection.” In the article, Greg outlines how leaders can use Chat GPT to craft panel interview questions, and a sample prompt: I am interviewing applicants for a full-time job as a paramedic at a busy, private ambulance service that responds to 911 calls and interfacility transport requests. One component of the process is a panel interview with the operations supervisor, a field training officer and an experienced paramedic. Recommend five scenario-based questions the panel should ask each applicant.  In this episode, Chris and Kelly put Greg’s prompt to the test and debate, should we be using AI in our daily work in EMS? Tune in to this episode Listen in as our hosts discuss: Other use cases for generative AI in EMS – from scenarios to deployment plans How AI is a potential resources – as well as a potential headache – for educators Takeaways from the recent 2023 NAEMSE Symposium Flattening the forgetting curve – retaining training And don’t miss a side debate: is there a case for prehospital ultrasound? Memorable quotes “When we think about interviewing, that’s when people really will put the dog on; they are giving us the very best of who they are and we are just getting answers to questions that may or may not be true, and we really have to try to decipher, but how do we challenge these people who are coming in?” — Chris Cebollero “Our dean walked into the office and said, ‘I need you all to start thinking about how we can use ChatGPT and generative AI to enhance and augment our paramedic program.” — Kelly Grayson “The better you are at writing prompts and giving it some specific direction, the better content it’s going to churn out for you.” — Kelly Grayson Let us know how you’re using AI in EMS: contact editor@ems1.com. Rate and review Catch a new episode of Inside EMS every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Get better every shift with stress management and leadership insights from Aaron Zamzow and Janelle Foskett This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this special episode of Inside EMS, Host Chris Cebollero welcomes the dynamic hosts of the Better Every Shift Podcast, Aaron Zamzow and Janelle Foskett. In Better Every Shift, Zamzow, a Madison (Wisconsin) firefighter; and Foskett, editor-in-chief of FireRescue1, spotlight the passion and perseverance of firefighters and EMS providers, as they dig into what drives responders to improve themselves, their crew, the service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.   In this episode, they discuss: Getting out of your comfort zone The issues no one wants to talk about in the fire service (e.g., recruitment and sleep) Leadership and stress management Managing up The need for leadership training How a staffing crisis leads to a leadership crisis, that leads to a stress crisis – and the ramifications on health and wellness Foskett also shares insights from the FireRescue1 "What firefighters want in 2023 report," into firefighter stress. Foskett notes among respondents, 46% reported considering leaving their fire department – mostly due to staffing – and a staggering 42% of firefighters are considering leaving the fire service due to their stress levels. Memorable quotes “In order to be a better whatever – paramedic, firefighter, EMT, podcaster – you need to get out of your comfort zone.” — Aaron Zamzow “We’re really starving for leadership, but in the same breath, we’re looking in the maybe the wrong places, whereas we should be starting in the mirror and then looking out.” — Aaron Zamzow “People are craving leadership and when there is a lack of leadership, that doesn’t mean all is lost; you have options, you have solutions, and you can take ownership of that and be proactive.” — Janelle Foskett “There are some of those fire houses, they don’t turn a wheel in a 24 hour period; there are other ones that don’t get to see their beds in a 24 hour period. It’s one of the things that we now have to start to think about. We’re still running models for EMS and fire that we were running 40 years ago.” — Chris Cebollero  Learn more Follow Better Every Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcastsor wherever you listen to your podcasts Download the "What firefighters want in 2023 report" for more insights into staffing and stress relief Download the "What paramedics want in 2023 report" for insights into mitigating stress, staffing challenges and leadership shortfalls

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, Chris and Kelly discuss the recent spotlight on public access defibrillation after high profile cardiac arrests in young athletes, as well as the growing danger of assaults in the field for EMTs. Together, they discuss: Bronny James, USC freshman and son of Lakers star LeBron James, was resuscitated after a cardiac arrest at USC basketball workout Julia Taylor Fatum, a N.Y. EMT, was stabbed and nearly killed by a patient in her ambulance The death of Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, who was stabbed multiple times The collapse of Damar Hamlin and the world watching his on-field resuscitation Has EMS taken a step backwards in training the public? How violence against providers is becoming a retention issue Memorable quotes “Children and athletes and young adults can go into cardiac arrest, and I would wager that the only thing that saved Bronny James’s life is that second link in the AHA chain of survival, which is prompt, early access to defibrillation, and it’s a shame that public access to defibrillation in so many places is still a pipe dream or poorly implemented such that it’s not really public access.” — Kelly Grayson “Public access to defibrillation means just that: public access to defibrillation. It’s not a special thing for special people to use. The whole point of public access to defibrillation is that it can be readily accessed by anyone.” — Kelly Grayson “As an EMS leader … that has to be first and foremost concern of mine:  to make sure that the workforce goes home at the end of their shift. And I’m losing faith in that we are keeping our providers safe.” — Chris Cebollero “We’ve been on calls that have been very benign, that have escalated verbally, that have escalated behaviorally.” — Kelly Grayson “Keep your heads on a swivel. Always be alert, always have your eye on your patient.” — Kelly Grayson Learn more Damar Hamlin: A pass or fail exam for the EMS profession Confronting sudden cardiac arrest in America Training Day: Train citizens to use an AED Protecting EMS providers from violence Leadership’s role in keeping our workforce safe Improving scene safety with technology

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into critical thinking. They point out the need to teach EMT students how to make the leap from linear to critical thinking, and the key critical thinking skills needed to make decisions: Being curious: Asking the question why Reasoning Self-awareness Memorable quotes from this episode “Critical thinking is all about the discipline of being able to take in information to experience what’s happening, to have a good observation of what’s happening and to reason and make the best decisions that we can.” “I think one of the hallmarks of intelligence is intellectual curiosity.” “This is a missing component of critical thinking. Just because we’ve gotten some information doesn’t mean that information is acted on without good analysis.” “When you can divorce yourself emotionally from the information that you’re processing, it makes it much easier to analyze.” Together, they discuss: Linear thinking vs. critical thinking Taking emotions out of thinking Emotional intelligence Falling victim to confirmation bias

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. After 30 years in EMS in Louisiana, the past 15 as a critical care paramedic, Kelly Grayson is leaving the Bayou state – and the rig – for a full-time paramedic educator role in New York. Kelly will begin his position as the lead instructor as the lead instructor for the new CoAEMSP-accredited paramedic program at Clarkson University in Pottstown, New York, in August. Chris and Kelly discuss what motivated Kelly to make this leap, and what happens when you change jobs and have to prepare for the next chapter. Memorable quotes from this episode “I can render no higher praise for an EMS agency than to say they let me do my job without handcuffs.” “When we lose a longtime member of the workforce – it hurts – and I hate to be the one to do that.” “You never want to burn a bridge. Even if you hate the place you work, you never know that you may have to go back to them one day and say, you know, ‘are you looking for any help?’” “If I make a commitment to a place, I’ll follow their rules, cheerfully.” “Make yourself valuable to prospective employers. If you’re not happy where you are, you can make a good living at EMS, you can have career satisfaction in EMS. You might not be able to have those things at the place you are currently.” “It’s an employee’s market right now.” “Vote with your feet.” Together, they discuss: When it’s time to make a career change The skills you need when you come off the truck Shifting the paradigm in EMS education Developing and standing up a new paramedic program Bringing affordable EMS education to rural communities How to leave a position without burning bridges

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

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

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, our cohosts and best-selling authors put our listeners on the path to becoming authors. Top quotes from this episode “Everybody has a book title in them and we’re going to put everybody on the path of becoming authors.” “I have an idea of where I want the story to go, but how the characters interact, how they talk, the adventures and trials and tribulations they go through, develop as the story goes along.” “When I'm at my best, the writing just flows, and I'm just typing away and I'm giggling or crying, as the case may be, and enjoying the hell out of it.” “The days that it doesn't flow like a waterfall is where it takes some work ethic and some discipline, and you have to get the story on the page no matter how bad you think it is, and then find your muse and find the spark in it in the editing process.” Together, Chris and Kelly discuss: How writing can be therapeutic Kelly’s latest short stories, “They call me Tully”, “Cecil the Combat Wombat,” and “The battle of Waffle Haus 814” Chris’ top 10 tips for success in “Ultimate leadership” Writing process: how Kelly gets through the tough days and Chris’s unique approach, that isn’t writing at all Additional resources How to submit an article to EMS1 5 alternatives to journaling if you don't like to write Getting published in EMS How writing may have saved my EMS career Send your book titles to theshow@ems1.com

In this episode of Inside EMS, our Cohosts, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, break down the skills needed to be a servant leader. Notable quotes from this episode “My job as a leader is to get work done through other people.” “The true measurement of leadership success is how engaged, satisfied and productive the workforce is.” “What I believe as a leader is that my job as the chief of the department is not any more important than your job of working on the ambulance. It’s that we have different roles and responsibilities for reaching the vision.” “The most important component of servant leadership is realizing that it’s an honor for you to be in the position that you’re in and you can get taken out of that position as fast as you were put into it.” Together, they discuss: Chris’s recent article and video on servant leadership Reversing the organization chart Practicing responsibility upward The skills a servant leader should bring to the table Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this week's episode of Inside EMS, Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson lean on their experience as field training officers and EMT instructors to discuss EMS skills mastery. If our message to new EMT graduates is, “You don’t know everything there is to know about EMS,” then how do we teach them what they need to know in the field? Top quotes from this episode “It’s not laziness; it’s cognitive offloading.” “If I’m not using it, why am I teaching it?” “Is the way you intubate today the way you intubated when you started in EMS?” “There is nothing that substitutes for constant repetition and practice.” Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this week's episode of Inside EMS, Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson share their messages on professionalism, career development and asking questions with the graduating classes of EMTs. Memorable quotes from this episode “You don’t know everything there is to know about EMS – so you need to be able to ask the question why.” “EMS is a very egotistical business – it’s the egotism that prevents us from asking why” “You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable … you have to challenge yourself; you have to reach.” “We train people to be decisive in their actions and their throughs and to think fast – what we don’t always teach them is that the wisdom of EMS has to come with some years behind you and you have to develop some introspection.” “People are using [EMS] to get to the fire department, people are using it to get to medical school, people are using It to get to nursing, and that’s great – but don’t waste your time while you’re here …. That has to start with professional development.” Together, they discuss: Choosing your hard How to guide and motivate the next generation of EMS provider How EMT classes graduate two kinds of people (and why it’s a good sign if you’re terrified) Looking ahead and developing the goals you need to advance as an EMS leader Learning from your mistakes The value of teachable moments An exercise in assessing your skills mastery Is EMS a career or a stepping stone? Additional resources on career mastery and growth Achieving EMS mastery How to maximize clinical expertise through everyday experiences Cultivate a ‘beginner’s mind’ for ongoing growth 5 ingredients for psychomotor mastery

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this EMS Week episode of Inside EMS, Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson welcome Brian K. Hathaway, president/CEO of Spirit EMS, in Greenville, Ohio, who offers a free EMT training program. Hathaway shares his perspective on how EMS education has changed, and the creative ways Spirit is attracting, engaging and retaining recruits – from 2-year agreements, to giving away a car during training. Together, they discuss: Why Hathaway is the Oprah Winfrey of EMT education How to engage and motivate the workforce What Hathaway is looking for when he evaluates student patient assessments How we deliver education to the newer generation Memorable quotes from this episode “As we educate in the classroom and make sure that people are comfortable and confident in their skills, and we’re making sure that we’re doing that good head-to-toe assessment on the patients – that that’s the ultimate important thing.” “Memorizing 43 things on a skills sheet to make sure that we’ve touched everything is not necessarily applicable to every patient that we’re taking care of.” “My concern is we’ve got to get people involved and we’ve got to continue to change with the times or it’s going to be a competition when I’m in the nursing home 25-30 years from now as to who’s going to get out of bed and respond to the call if we don’t do something now.” Additional resources What skills should we test? A simple framework for an EMT skills competency portfolio Whatever will we do without the skill sheets? NREMT is discontinuing the ALS psychomotor exam. That’s a good thing, if you let it be About our Guest Brian K. Hathaway is president/CEO of Spirit EMS, in Greenville, Ohio. Brian has been actively involved in Fire/EMS since 1996. Aside from his duties as an owner of Spirit, Brian is a 27-year veteran of the Union City Fire Department and continues to work part-time as a 911 dispatcher at the Darke County Sheriff's Office where he has worked since 1999. Brian is a certified Advanced EMT, EMS continuing education instructor, volunteer firefighter, Certified Ambulance Coder, Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer and Certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Brian serves as education chairman and is a board member of the Ohio Ambulance and Medical Transportation Association, a member of the Four County Career Center advisory board, a member of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, and attends the EUM Church in Greenville. Brian enjoys spending time with his wife Audrey as well as their daughter Naomi.

Educating the public about when it is appropriate to call EMS – and how quickly we should get there This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this EMS Week episode of Inside EMS, Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into where emergency care begins, and how community paramedicine launched a paradigm shift years in the making. They discuss how EMS did a fine job of educating the community about the obstacles and dangers of the job during COVID-19, but need to capitalize on and maintain that momentum moving forward. Memorable quotes from this episode: “Community paramedicine has everything to do with EMS week.” “Advocacy is what this is all about, and we as a profession have kind of fallen down on the job for quite a while on educating the public about the capabilities of EMS, and the obstacles and hardships that we face, and that’s what EMS Week is all about.” “We need to leverage our advocacy and teach the real first responders, the public, about what’s appropriate to call EMS for and what they can do to crowdsource that urgent care.” Chris and Kelly discuss: How emergency care begins at dispatch and nurse triage of 911 ET3 and the telehealth model Kelly’s experience with treatment-in-place and alternate destinations Response time standards Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, Kelly Grayson rejoins Cohost Chris Cebollero to discuss his recent medical scare and to celebrate 10 years of Inside EMS. Kelly recently suffered a massive pulmonary embolus, which severely compromised blood flow to nearly 100% of both his lungs. Though he admits delaying care was not the brightest decision at the time, he now knows how close he came to losing his life, and is committed to taking his health seriously – both mental and physical. Notable quotes from this episode “Be good patients and don’t be stupid. We are the world’s worst at taking care of ourselves.” “It slapped me upside the face on April 14 that it’s time to start walking the walk about your own health.“ “Even if you have the capacity to rationalize, and the capacity to be clinically analytic during your own medical emergency, ultimately, all it’s going to do is give you piece of mind when you die that you knew what killed you.” Read more about Kelly’s medical scare: ‘Is this what dying feels like?’ A wake-up call and a plea: Don’t be stubborn about your health After the wakeup call: First steps of a wellness journey “The problem with people testing their limits is that they often find them.”

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, Host Chris Cebollero is joined by Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Whitehead, NREMT-P, and scholar-practitioner Nick Nudell, PhD(c). Real-life friends, Whitehead and Nudell bring forth an EMS debate in which they find themselves on opposite sides: the importance of reporting mechanism of injury. In paramedic school, they teach us to take what we see at the scene and bring that into the hospital – to take photos, describe the damage to the vehicle, etc., Chris notes. But, does it matter? Chris listens to their perspectives as they state their case, and then makes his decision. Listen in and let us know your thoughts: is reporting mechanism of injury important? Memorable quotes from this episode “This is one of the few things in EMS in which we need to own. Because if we make a mistake and we evaluate the mechanism of injury wrong, no one else can fix that for us.” — Steve Whitehead “For all except the most unusual mechanisms of injury, the photo is likely worthless.” — Steve Whitehead “The critical things that the trauma surgeons are really trying to get at in that moment when the patient arrives is – is their airway patent, are they breathing, is their blood circulating – they are going to the ABCs, just like we do.” — Nick Nudell ABOUT OUR GUESTS Steve Whitehead Steve Whitehead, NREMT-P, is an EMS instructor with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority in Lone Tree, Colorado, and the creator of the blog The EMT Spot. He is a primary instructor for South Metro's EMT program and a lifelong student of emergency medicine. Reach him through his blog at steve@theemtspot.com. Nick Nudell Scholar-practitioner Nick Nudell, PhD(c), is the manager of trauma research services for UCHealth, in Loveland, Colorado; and the president of the American Paramedic Association. He has more than 24 years of data science, public policy and paramedicine experience at all levels, including as a hospital and ambulance-based clinician, educator, consultant, regulator, program manager, executive and researcher. His research interests include innovative governance models and improving health system design to reduce systemic healthcare disparities through mixed methods research concentrated on system design and implementation. He is an advocate for social justice and health equity, interested in discovering the most appropriate resources to provide for a person's needs, in suitable locations, at the right time. Additionally, through his clinical practice, he has gained significant real-world field and academic experience with behavioral health and substance use disorders that contribute to his health equity and social justice scholarship.

Jon Lee joins the podcast to discuss following the evidence and pharmacology research insights This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, one of Chris Cebollero’s favorite authors, Jonathan Lee, joins Chris for a discussion of his most recent article, a research analysis examining the benefits of midazolam vs. morphine. While morphine is the go-to drug when it comes to cardiac events, once you look at the research, there are some red flags, Lee notes. Lee’s analysis focused on The in-hospital mortality had no significant difference between midazolam versus morphine The frequency of serious adverse events in using morphine versus Listen in to the discussion. Resources mentioned in this episode Jonathan Lee: Front-line pharm KinderMedic Research analysis: Midazolam vs. morphine About our guest Jonathan Lee is a critical care paramedic with Ornge in Toronto, Canada, with over 25 years of experience in 911, critical care, aeromedical and pediatric critical care transport. Jonathan’s teaching experience includes classroom, clinical and field education as well as curriculum development and design across a number of health professions. He is currently delivering KinderMedic, a program he developed to improve the confidence and competence of prehospital providers caring for acutely ill children. In addition to his clinical practice, he is also adjunct faculty in the Paramedic Program at Georgian College. Jonathan is a freelance author and has been invited to speak across North America and Europe on topics such as pediatrics, analgesia and stress. Jonathan has previously served on committees for professional organizations including the Ontario Paramedic Association and NAEMT. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Critical Care from Cardiff University. Jonathan can be contacted via Twitter and LinkedIn. Rate and review Inside EMS Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest. Catch a new episode every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohost Chris Cebollero reflects on his time in the military and the privilege of serving in the military’s Honor Guard. Chris explains the significance of the 13 folds of the American flag and the honor felt in folding the flag that would be given to a family member of a fallen servicemember. Chris is joined by Folds of Honor’s Senior Vice President of Outreach, Luke Sherman. Sherman is a past chairman and now senior member with the Board of Directors for the National Tactical Officers Association; a 29 year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department; and owner and principal with Aegis CPG, a Tulsa-based security consulting company. Sherman shares how the Folds of Honor scholarship program will now benefit first responders, including paramedics and EMTS. Lt. Col. Dan Rooney started Folds of Honor after his second tour of duty in Iraq. As a fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. On his return flight home, the pilot announced the plane carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Lt. Col. Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Lt. Col. Rooney committed to meeting sacrifice with hope through Folds of Honor, providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled servicemembers. Folds of honor has awarded more than 44,000 educational scholarships totalling about $200M since 2007 And now, the mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. Additional resources Learn more about supporting Folds of Honor’s mission to help fund educational opportunities for military and first responder families, or to apply for a scholarship at FoldsOfHonor.org.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. According to Bureau of Labor statistics, for healthcare workers, assault is the most common source of nonfatal injury or illness requiring time off of work. In this episode of Inside EMS, Host Chris Cebollero is joined by Jason Brooks, BAS, EMT-P, I/C, to discuss the rising frequency of assaults against EMS providers. Brooks owns and operates DT4EMS, LLC, providing defensive tactics for escaping, mitigating and surviving violent attacks. He has been in the EMS profession for over 25 years, serving as a firefighter, paramedic, paramedic educator and EMS administrator.  He has spent nearly a decade studying the issue of violence in healthcare. Together, they discuss: Personal defense and de-escalation training When to de-escalate domestic violence cases What to do when verbal de-escalation fails 4 rules of physicial and mental defense When to leave the scene Notable quotes from Jason Brooks If you’re being threatened, you need to make the decision, “is this safe for me to stay here?” “It's not patient abandonment to leave a scene that's unsafe.” “There's no law out there that says that you have to sit there and be abused, be assaulted, etc. If it's unsafe, we need to know that care can end.” “If it gets to the point where it's escalated so quickly, if you have to leave equipment behind for your safety, leave it.” Additional resources Special coverage: Protecting EMS providers from violence Preventing violence against EMS personnel Research Analysis: Preventing downstream consequences of EMS assaults Rate and review the Inside EMS podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, host Kelly Grayson welcomes Nancy Magee, volunteer EMS consultant, and Rom Duckworth, fire captain and paramedic EMS coordinator for the Ridgefield (Connecticut) Fire Department and the founder of the New England Center for Rescue and Emergency Medicine. As a NAEMT board member, Rom recently attended the EMS advocacy event, EMS on the Hill, along with Nancy, who attended to represent the interests of rural EMS providers.  Rom shared, “Bottom line, the experience was great, some parts a little frustrating, but I feel like we were fighting the good fight overall and it was a learning experience for me and I think an eye opening experience for a lot of the other people who were down there trying to fight for a little bit more money, a little bit more protection and a little bit more rights for EMS providers.” Nancy and Rom recount their experiences and what they learned in Washington, including: What the representatives asked of legislators Why it’s important to be specific in grant funding The elephant in the room (hint, it’s fee-for-service) Where the money goes Connect with us Email theshow@ems1.com to share your feedback! Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

While EMS is uniquely rewarding, it is also uniquely challenging, with physical, mental and emotional impacts. During the inaugural First Responder Wellness Week, our dynamic duo, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, hosted a special live edition of Inside EMS. In this edition, our cohosts, joined by EMS One-Stop podcast host Rob Lawrence, welcome Global Medical Response's Ed Racht, MD; and Rhonda Kelly, who manage one of, if not the biggest EMS wellness programs in existence. Listen in to learn how wellness programs are essential to creating resilient responders, and what's working to support members' health, emotional wellness and coping strategies for career longevity. WHAT ATTENDEES LIKED FROM THIS PRESENTATION "Great ideas and options to assist providers when they need help and to encourage them to ask for help."  "Good practical ideas to implement." "It was very informative on information that we as an industry are using to move ahead with responder wellness."

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. As we lead up to Lexipol’s First Responder Wellness Week, this week’s cohosts Rob Lawrence and Kelly Grayson learn about the work of two important EMS and public safety charitable organizations – EMS Gives Life, with Executive Director, Christine Fiechter, and the Code Green campaign with Treasurer and Board Member RJ Morrison. Top quotes from this episode  “Who knew you could donate a portion of your liver – many of us don’t and that portion of your liver you donate grows back in full size and functionality in a short period of time.” —Christine Fiechter “This is a community that has a very hard time asking for help. They don’t want to ask for help, they want to sit silently; they are used to being the helper, it’s very awkward to ask for someone to donate a kidney.” — Christine Fiechter “We bring to your attention the names of people that have passed through suicide or have passed through medical or accidents, etc., but we never talk about the people that didn’t – what about the people that did go and get help, that did reach out, that did ask for support, and we don’t read their name, because they were successful.” — RJ Morrison discussing the Code Green “Names not read” tag line “No one knew how many of our brethren took their own lives unless someone reported it, or said so in an obituary, and we still don’t know how many died in accidents because they were depressed or suffering from PTSD. It’s hard to do good work if you don’t have the statistics and the [FBHA Register] is a crucial initiative.” — Kelly Grayson Rate and review the Inside EMS podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. If you’ve seen his videos, you’ve likely said to yourself, “been there, done that.” In this episode of Inside EMS, cohost Kelly Grayson and guest cohost Rob Lawrence welcome Firefighter-influencer Jason Patton to the show. Patton, famous for Fire Department Chronicles and Fire Department Coffee, offers a caffeine-fueled glimpse at how he got started in producing videos that have garnered him over 5 million followers. Listen in as they discuss: The power of social media The “can’t make this stuff up” calls we’ve all been to that produce fodder for his videos Patton’s tips for sharing your own message with the masses, including an outside-of-the-box suggestion for why mistakes are a good thing Don’t miss: “The world, especially our world, needs humor.” Patton’s approach to tough topics What he did to get a cease-and-desist letter from National Geographic

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In the 10-year anniversary episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the shortage of EMTs, the imperfections of the onboarding process, and the importance of having good leaders in demanding jobs. Join Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson as they celebrate 10 years of the Inside EMS podcast by taking a hard look at the desperate search for more EMTs. With more EMS professionals nationally registered now than ever before, the duo dissects why those statistics don’t match up with the number of EMTs currently working. Our hosts take a close look at EMS leaders and their impact on new EMTs. Plus, they cover specific ways that we can improve the onboarding process to better prepare EMS professionals, and how the sink or swim method is harming new EMTs. LISTEN IN WHILE WE DISCUSS: The lack of preparation in onboarding new EMTs. Is there really a shortage in EMS? Why is it so important to pair new EMTs with good mentors? The negative impact of hazing in EMS. How to take care of yourself while maintaining a successful EMS career. CAN’T-MISS MOMENTS “What we have is a shortage of people who are willing to work under horrible conditions for chump change and be unappreciated.” “We spend an inordinate amount of time recruiting adrenaline junkies and trying to teach them to be hand holders when we should be recruiting hand holders and teaching them how to function in a crisis.” “We need to teach new EMTs to keep that soft chewy center and retain that compassion for as long as they possibly can.” Resources mentioned on the show Article: “Top 10 Ways to Ruin a Good EMT” written by Kelly Grayson Book: “Ultimate Leadership: 10 Rules for Success” written by Chris Cebollero Connect with us Listen to this episode of the Inside EMS podcast and look out for new episodes every Friday Contact us at theshow@EMS1.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts and leave us some feedback

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Host Kelly Grayson gets vulnerable on the podcast, as he shares his experiences with PTSD, resiliency and how best to deal with hidden emotions. Asked to be a guest author in a recent anthology on coping with traumatic stress, Kelly's contributed chapter in "But Not Broken" focused on a particular call that caused him to struggle for years and how he worked through it.  Our co-hosts also explore how the act of writiung or journaling can have therapeutic benefits for first responders who are grappling with traumatic stress, as Kelly shares his tips for dealing with feelings through the written word.  "Any of us can suffer from PTSD ... and as the saying goes, it's not what's wrong with you, it's what's happened to you," Kelly says. Have an idea for an episode? Send an email to theshow@ems1.com.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Inside EMS hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson open this week's episode with the news of the death of Paramedic Pete Reed, a former Marine who was recently killed in Ukraine when his ambulance was shelled by Russian forces as he was helping to evacuate civilians out of the city of Bakhmut. "I have tremendous respect for those who don't have a legal requirement to render aid but give of themselves, and in this case, Pete Reed paid the ultimate sacrifice," says Grayson.  Our co-hosts also discuss a county in New York that is offering a 10% property tax exemption for volunteer providers and firefighters, as well as the sentencing details for a man who stabbed an on-duty EMS captain.  "We see a lot of our peers who are getting assaulted and getting hurt on the job. Where is the justice for those people?" asks Chris Cebollero.  Listen to the latest episode and subscribe to get next week's episode automatically in your feed.  Top quotes "Ten years from now, this work that you do still shows up on your work history and what will it say about you as you go forward and you go on to the next phase in your career?" — Chris Cebollero "That's why we have this podcast. This is something we do to extend our advocacy and our passion for our profession beyond the guy in the other seat in the truck and beyond the classroom. It's a way to leave our mark and leave our profession a little better than we found it by spreading the message and getting advocacy out there to a broader range of people." — Kelly Grayson

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This special episode of Inside EMS is a crossover post from FireRescue1's new Better Every Shift Podcast. Hosted by Madison (Wisconsin) Firefighter Aaron Zamzow and FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Janelle Foskett, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life.   Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is extra super because Zam and Janelle are talking all things Super Bowl with Glendale (Arizona) Captain Ashley Losch, digging into the fire and EMS preparations, training and coordination for this year’s big game. Captain Losch details the many moving parts of “Super Season,” what they’ve learned from the past two Super Bowls the city has hosted, plus how the Damar Hamlin incident prompted additional questions. Plus, we get into all this: The big messaging change for this year Maintaining citywide staffing during the big game The tabletop exercise that had 150 agencies represented What else … Hot seat sneak peek: Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Don’t miss: How the super-wealthy deal with Super Bowl travel Episode power quote: “It’s about connection, it’s about coming together for a common goal, making sure that people are safe, making sure that everyone has a good time, everyone goes home with good memories, and the sheer amount of people that are coming together to make sure that happens is really incredible.” Resources we mentioned on the show Glendale Fire on Instagram Connect with us! Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback, and if you enjoy the show, take a moment to rate and review Better Every Shift on Apple Podcasts.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week, Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero is joined by Chief Gary Ludwig to discuss killing of Tyre Nichols, which led to the firing of five Memphis police officers and three members of the Memphis Fire Department. Ludwig previously served as the deputy chief of the department for 10 years, running their EMS program. Chief Ludwig discusses professionalism, how a “normalization of deviance” may account for the lack of concern for bad behavior, and leadership’s role in keeping our workforce safe. The pair round out the episode by discussing whether it’s time for EMS to start wearing body cameras during patient care or at other times during a call. Top takeaways “The cameras are rolling and people know the cameras are rolling and this is still the behavior.” — Chris Cebollero “We behave on these cameras inappropriately, and nothing happens to us. You go on the next call, there’s cameras there – body cams, security cameras, Ring doorbells – there’s cameras everywhere. We behave inappropriately and there’s no consequences, even though it was captured on camera, so it becomes normalized.” — Chief Ludwig

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. As the industry waits for more details in the case involving two Illinois EMTs charged with murder in the death of a patient, cohosts Kelly Grayson and Chris Cebollero discuss the lack of compassion show by the providers and the scourge of apathy that plagues EMS. The conversation explores how EMS leaders can help keep industry personnel on a more professional path. Top takeaways "Members of the workforce will stay for low pay if they are treated well, or good pay if they are not treated well, but they won’t stay for both.” — Kelly Grayson "We must define our own professionalism, and every call we go on now has the opportunity to become a national news event. It is not 'if' but 'when.'" — Chris Cebollero Additional resources Malpractice or murder: When do EMS providers cross the line from negligence to a crime? Video: Is deeply disturbing patient care murder? Listen: 'How does this happen?' – Wolfberg and Wirth weigh in on EMT murder charges You've seen the video; now what? 14 action steps for EMS leaders to root out bad behavior You’ve seen the footage – Now what? Part 2: 15 steps for providers to compassionate care  Prone positioning: Therapy or apathy?

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, Host Chris Cebollero discusses goal setting for a successful 2023. Chris breaks down the top 5 golden rules for making your goals and resolutions a reality. Chris notes, “success does not happen by chance, you have to create the opportunities that will create your success.” Listen for more on: Developing a motivating value statement Using the SMART method of developing goals The importance of developing an action plan Ensuring you are sticking to the plan you developed This is a great show to outline a blueprint for your success in 2023.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In the first episode of the 10th year in EMS, Cohost Chris Cebollero is joined by the legal powerhouse of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth’s EMS Attorneys Doug Wolfberg, Esq.; and Steve Wirth, Esq. to discuss the case everyone is talking about. An Illinois prosecutor has filed virtually unprecedented first-degree murder charges against two EMS providers over the death of a patient in their care. Wolfberg and Wirth broke down the points of the case and the lessons for EMS in an EMS1 article, "Malpractice or murder: When do EMS providers cross the line from negligence to a crime?"    In this episode, Wolfberg and Wirth share their first impressions of the case and the body camera footage of the incident. Wolfberg noted what hit him was the “callous, cold, very detached, aggressive demeanor of the providers.” “You get into EMS because you care for people – how do you get to the point to what we saw in the video – that’s really where I keep coming back to,”  Wolfberg said. Wirth added, “it wasn’t until I looked at the video that I felt outraged – outraged is the word that comes to my mind – how could a human being deal with another human being in this fashion – basically treat another human being as an inanimate object.” He asked, “how does this happen … because we can’t allow this to happen; we can’t.” Are first-degree murder charges warranted in this case? See how EMS1 listeners are weighing in.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Our co-hosts bid farewell to 2022 by counting down the most talked about and debated stories from this year's slate of Inside EMS episodes. Join Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson as they discuss EMS-police relations, patients' gender identity requests, legal conundrums and more.  Related resources Check out the stories referenced in our episode:  Video: N.Y. officer on desk duty after handcuffing EMT in hospital 2 medics' credentials suspended after Texas patient dies in transport Mother's lawsuit: 23-year-old dies in ED area after Conn. hospital ignores him for 7 hours 2 Mich. firefighters suspended over delayed response to EMS call Air ambulance pilot refused to fly in dangerous conditions; feds say company retaliated

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week, Cohost Kelly Grayson is joined by guest Host Greg Friese, MS, NRP, editorial director for Lexipol, and the pair discuss the traits of a great EMS book. Grayson and Friese, both fans of the genre of EMS literature, discuss the importance of clinical accuracy, a narrative arc that connects the patient responses, and author point of view. They also dive into whether the EMT or paramedic author needs to both experience and convey personal transformation through the narrative. Listen closely as Grayson and Friese shout out some of their favorite EMS authors and books.  What's your favorite book by an EMT or paramedic? How did that book influence your education and career in EMS?  Listen to the full conversation and add your comments on the topic below. Kelly Grayson is the author of "Perspectives, Volume I: An Emergency Medicine and Public Safety Anthology", and the follow-up, Perspectives, Volume 2.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week cohost Kelly Grayson is joined by guest host Greg Friese, editorial director for Lexipol, and the pair discuss a Canadian research study on the diversity of CPR manikins used in instructive social media posts within North and South America. During a two year period, researchers found that fewer than 10% of the more than 200 manikin images used in social media instructional posts represented Black or Asian patients, while fewer than 2% represented overweight individuals. “I kind of rolled my eyes at the study itself, but it does speak to a larger issue,” Grayson said. “No CPR manikin looks like me; none of them have legs and they all have at least one less chin than I do, but [this research] does speak to a larger issue in EMS, and society as a whole, about diversity and inclusivity in our profession.” What do you think about the study? Listen to the full conversation and add your comments on the topic below. Additional resources for EMS education The 'hidden curriculum' in EMS education: Teaching the good, the bad and the ugly Teaching differential diagnosis How to recognize lazy students, bad instructors

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Our Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by guest Major Chris Lokits from Louisville Metro EMS (LMEMS) to discuss paramedic intubations in the field. LMEMS is part of the Prehospital Airway Control Trial (PACT), a four-year Department of Defense research study aimed at "improving survival among people who have difficulty breathing after a trauma," through the University of Louisville. A significant number, up to 15%, of people with traumatic injuries die due to a lack of airway management.  Dr. Raymond Orthober, LMEMS medical director and assistant professor of emergency medicine at UofL, is helping lead the university's participation in the clinical trial.  Additional EMS1 resources for intubation 5 tips to provide safe and effective ventilation Airway management: Improving first-pass intubation success (eBook) 5 tips for securing a patient's airway Improve endotracheal intubation with First and TEN approach 5 things to know about endotracheal intubation

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Our cohosts are joined this week by Jeff Hensley, emergency manager for MedTrust Medical Transport in Charleston, South Carolina, who discusses the requirements for the position and the characteristics of a successful emergency manager. The discussion also touches on the role of emergency management in the community during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visitlexipol.com. Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson respond to the social media discussion on a recent EMS1 article: "Should waveform capnography be in the EMT scope of practice?" The comments on the topic were divided: "If you can bag or insert an airway, you should be able to use ETCO2. As others have said, it’s a fantastic tool for all levels of clinical practice." "They need to be good at what is already in their scope of practice and most of the aren’t. They’re just medic dependent." "... Why is this even a question? Absolutely yes." Our cohosts discuss how to train EMTs for this skill and how to make it a reality in the educational process. Chris offers his take on the topic and suggests that nothing needs to be added to the EMT curriculum; instead, he believes it's the responsibility of the agency to teach this skill.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the "hidden curriculum" in EMS education on this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, differentiating the fine line between a discussion of the educational components, the potentiality for bad habits and "lore" of EMS – and all three have a place. The duo makes the case for balance when teaching about the good, the bad and the ugly of an EMS career.  The discussion also touches on valuing experience over evidence-based medicine, how to take the ego out of the educational process, and instructor tips for teaching flexibility and the importance of doing the right thing as a matter of principle to students.  Additional EMS education resources:  Passion: Is it required to teach EMS? Addressing toxic heroism in the EMS education system How to recognize lazy students, bad instructors

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. By request, this episode of Inside EMS tackles the topic of resiliency, based on a conversation cohost Chris Cebollero had with listener Benoit Rudolphe at EMS World Expo. Cebollero and fellow cohost Kelly Grayson take the idea and run with it, detailing the top six elements of achieving personal or professional resilience. Additional resiliency resources:  How to build mental health resilience in EMS Quick Take: Building first responder resilience Fit for duty: How to be a resilient responder Enhancing first responder resilience through mindfulness EMT 360: Teach emotional resilience during training

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Fresh off their appearance at EMS World Expo, Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson break down what it takes to become a successful conference speaker. The duo discuss the process for getting engaged in events at both the state and national level, how to develop a professional presentation, the agonizing-but-cathartic process of crafting a catchy title and the critical need for to fully prepare before the event.  To cap off the episode, Chris gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his personal preparation process ahead of a speaking engagement.  Learn more about attending and speaking at EMS conferences: Conference dos and don’ts How to select education sessions at an EMS conference EMS conferences: 10 reasons for volunteers to attend 10 ways to get the most out of a virtual conference

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the murder of FDNY EMS Capt. Alison Russo, who was violently stabbed to death by a man just a half mile from her home EMS station. The conversation touches on personal safety, how to prepare the EMS workforce with additional safety equipment and self defense training. The duo also revisit the fraught discussion about arming EMS providers in the field and how thoughts on the topic have evolved over the years.  Notable quotes from the episode "Some people say, 'We're not combatants, we're compassionate.' I was a combat medic; we can do both." — Chris Cebollero "Are we becoming so inured to the violence we face every day that we look at it as part of the job?" — Kelly Grayson "I think we need to learn hand-to-hand combat, I think we need to worry about wearing Kevlar vests, and we need to think about arming our paramedics with some kind of weapon." — Chris Cebollero   More about fallen FDNY EMS Capt. Alison Russo An outpouring of support, outrage over FDNY EMS provider's murder Rapid response: Risk of senseless violence is constantly looming EMS response is often considered safer than firefighting, but is it? Former partner of slain FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo reflects on her love of EMS Slain FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo devoted herself to volunteer agency for 30 years Fallen 25-year FDNY veteran was months from retirement FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo to be posthumously promoted to captain

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, host Chris Cebollero is joined by guest co-host Mike Touchstone, who previously served as president of the National EMS Management Association and recently retired as the deputy paramedic chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Touchstone outlines the foundations of professionalism in your career, including the integration of your personal values, how to develop a personal strategic plan and how to advance to the next level of your EMS career. For good measure, Touchstone also offers a few tips on developing a national presence through professional writing and speaking on EMS issues at conferences.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the drug Ketamine and its use in EMS. Providers may utilize the drug to assist with many different conditions they encounter in the field. The discussion references a recent article regarding ketamine's possible use in treating anxiety and depression, and the conversation turns to other drugs that are being used to treat similar maladies, such as MDMA, which has been touted as helpful when treating terminal patients. Additional resources for ketamine use in EMS: 6 ways to avoid ketamine pitfalls Article Bites: Pain management options Understanding prehospital ketamine: Dosing to drawbacks Excited delirium: The Long Beach integrated medical response Vodcast: Patient with delirium and agitated behavior

This episode of the Inside EMS podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline. In this special crossover episode, public safety leaders come together to reflect on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the legacy of 9/11 in the emergency services. Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero is joined by Policing Matters host Jim Dudley, deputy chief (ret.), of the San Francisco Police Department; and Gary Ludwig, of the Champaign (Illinois) Fire Department, the 2022 IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year. Together, they discuss how first responders have continued to move forward for over 20 years now and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 as recruits enter public safety who were not even born yet at the time. The focus is on honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lived up to their oath to help others in their time of need, the legacy of lessons learned about responding in a hazardous situation, ongoing vigilance against threats and why “never forget” should not be a cavalier statement, but one made with meaning, purpose and with emphasis. Read more recollections, as well as how lessons learned are impacting the way first responders of today train and respond to incidents in our 9/11 coverage, sponsored by Verizon.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by guests Lisa Giruzzi and Robbie MacCue, founders of the EMS Leadership Academy in New York. The robust conversation emphasizes the most important attributes of a leader, and the group discusses what future EMS leaders should know about the current state of the industry and where it's headed. Giruzzi and MacCue also share the philosophy of the EMS Leadership Academy and discuss the upcoming Fourth Annual EMS Leadership Summit.  Learn more about the summit here.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. From monkeypox to state licensure, to certification requirements and funding recruitment programs, it’s been a busy few weeks in EMS news. In this episode of Inside EMS, our cohosts run down the biggest news stories of the day, and what they mean for the future of EMS. Together, they discuss: Monkeypox. With cases now identified in all 50 states, including a handful of pediatric cases, is it time to be anticipatory in preparing for a monkeypox emergency? Chris and Kelly discuss how transmission method, decontamination practices and COVID fatigue all come into play. State licensure. After the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced that it has established an EMS task force to evaluate medical services, systems and a state licensing system, Chris and Kelly applaud their efforts and encourage others to look to other states for programs and solutions to EMS staffing issues. A state-funded EMT class. Pennsylvania is using state dollars to fund an EMT class for underemployed residents, supported by the Johnstown Fire Department, with training provided by Conemaugh School of Emergency Medical Services Program Director Mike Rodgers. Kelly notes this creative solution will hopefully help to grow the EMS talent pool, but cautions, “we don’t have a paramedic shortage; we have a shortage of paramedics who are willing to work in toxic environments.” As long as the graduates are placed in positive environments, he can’t see a downside. “Hopefully this seed corn that Pennsylvania is developing here isn’t spoiled and is allowed to take root in a positive environment with a good agency and help relieve some of the staffing woes there in Pennsylvania,” he comments. NREMT certification proposal. Finally, our cohosts discuss the EMS story that had everyone up in arms. After a lively comment period, the National Registry rescinded a resolution that would have changed EMS certification eligibility criteria. Kelly noted in his opinion, and according to the majority of comments received, this was a potential step backward for EMS. Our cohosts discuss how the comment period worked exactly as it should, and the National Registry listened to the stakeholders, while also putting education standards front and center.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle the topic of TXA, including its uses and how to administer it. In a recent article, "Understanding TXA," columnist Jonathan Lee offers an overview on how TXA is becoming a mainstay in the field and makes a case for it to be considered for shock and trauma patients. Grayson, who carries TXA on his ambulance, shares the protocols for the drug's administration and management.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this week's episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Adam Heinz, executive director of REMSA Health in Reno, Nevada. The trio discusses the future of EMS, how agencies should rethink current systems and the role of EMS providers, and the best ways to recruit and retain new career professionals. Adam also shares the four P's for developing a successful EMS system.

This episode of EMS One-Stop is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, recorded at the Pinnacle EMS 2022 leadership conference, Host Rob Lawrence chats with Joe Ryan, MD. Dr. Ryan is adjunct clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at Stanford University and is well known as a veteran EMS medical director at some of the most notable EMS operations in the country, past and present, including MAST in Kansas City; City of Pittsburgh EMS; Sun Star in Pinellas County, Florida; Santa Clara County EMS in California; and REMSA in Reno, Nevada.  Dr. Ryan was at Pinnacle to pay homage to his lifelong friend, Jack Stout, whose life was celebrated at the conference. In the podcast, Dr. Ryan discusses the origins of high-performance EMS and his involvement with Jack Stout as he set EMS systems up. Additionally, Rob and Dr. Ryan look to the future and discuss the “silver tsunami” in geriatric healthcare.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this crossover edition of EMS One-Stop and Inside EMS, hosts Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero report together from Pinnacle EMS 2022 leadership conference and are joined by guest Bruce Evans, president of NAEMT.  During the discussion, Bruce issues a call-to-action to save ambulance services as we know it, in the face political, reimbursement and recruiting pressures. The crew also discusses their favorite presenters and presentations from the conference, and offer a vivid description of the memorial to the late Jack Stout, considered to be the father of high-performance EMS systems.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. There are more paramedics in Australia than there are paramedic jobs! In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence speaks with Mick Lazell, Neil Noble, Alan Mountford and Colin Allen of Australia EMS. They are currently in the U.S., leading a study tour of undergraduate paramedic students from various Australian universities. They discuss the over-production of graduate paramedics in Australia and how they hope that visa, and clinical certification and registration hurdles can be overcome to allow Australian paramedics to seek employment in the US. As we head to the Pinnacle EMS leadership conference, this could provide a key discussion point as we desperately seek to increase our clinical workforce.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson analyze the most popular stories of the week, beginning with an incident in Rochester, New York, where an EMT hit a police officer's squad car that was parked in the ambulance bay with the rig door, leading to the officer eventually handcuffing the provider.  Our co-hosts then discuss the statement put out by the NAEMSP regarding NREMT's change to education standards – which is open for public comment until Aug. 17.  The talk then turns to an assault of a paramedic and nurse after a patient was placed in triage at a local hospital. Every EMS organization should be aware of the rise in violence and have a plan in place to keep EMS providers safe on duty.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, EMT, chief strategic integration officer of MedStar Ft Worth. Matt describes how Walt Disney World’s culture and approach to the guest experience contain important lessons for EMS agencies, our leaders and our providers. The conversation covers: The importance of branding How reputations are built and can implode The importance of “cast member” selection for your agency How paying attention to the 1,000 little things create a magical immersive experience for your employees and patients EMS1 is the premier media partner at the Pinnacle EMS conference and Rob and Matt also highlight the pre-conference session, “Hot topics in high-performance/high-value EMS,” as well as the AIMHI webinar, “How much funding do you need?” which will be featured in a future episode.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this episode of Inside EMS, our cohosts,  Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, are joined by former EMS Director for the state of Utah, and current FirstNet Board Member, Paul Patrick. The discussion revolves around communication and making communication a stress-free resource. Patrick shares his knowledge on how communication can be hampered in MCI response, how we changed our communication practice during the pandemic and what we learned for the future of communication. He then shares some information about the history of FirstNet, how it came about and what it means for the first responder community.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. "Amateurs talk tactics. Professionals talk logistics" — General Omar Bradley In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence chats with Superintendent Joe O'Hare of Boston EMS. After an illustrious EMS career, O'Hare is heading into a well-earned retirement. Rob and Joe reflect on leadership lessons learned as well as Joe’s experience as EMS commander during the Boston Marathon bombing. The conversation covers leadership, partnership, cooperation, interoperability, logistics, NIMS, ICS and the Olympic flame.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this week's episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss EMS1 columnist Todd Bowman's recent article, "5 ways to build confident providers". The discussion delves into training practices, building confidence with crew resource management, and understanding how call repetition can build the skills for treating patients. The conversation then turns to the importance of a good quality assurance program, which should be considered a non-punitive process. The final point touches on reassurance, and the power of saying "thank you."

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Jay Fitch, PhD, of Fitch & Associates; and Tom Judge, executive director of LifeFlight of Maine. EMS1 is the premier media partner at the Pinnacle EMS conference, and Rob is a part of this year's Pinnacle Shark Tank Innovation Generator pre-conference session. In this series of podcasts, the EMS cast of the Shark Tank will join Rob to discuss their own hot topics. In this episode of the series Rob, Jay and Tom discuss the upcoming conference and some of its key sessions, as well as current issues that those attending will ultimately look to solve. Rob also asks Jay, who has been operating in the EMS space for five decades as a leading consultant, what he is currently advising his clients as they look to operationally survive.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. This week, our co-hosts welcome two members from the Lexington (Ky.) Fire Department, Lt. Ken Howell and Firefighter Mackenzie Gross, to discuss the organization's community paramedicine program. Gross also serves as one of two social workers in the program.  The discussion flows as our guests outline their efforts and share how to progressively develop as a community medic. Gross, who serves as one of two social workers for the LFD, explains the importance of social work in conjunction with a community paramedicine program.    Additional resources Looking for more information about community paramedicine? Check out these additional EMS1 resources:  Chris Cebollero's work to bring reimbursement to community paramedicine How community paramedicine is a risk reduction program for your citizens How to hire effective community paramedics

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Just over three months ago, Rob Luckritz assumed his new appointment as the Chief of Austin Travis County EMS, Texas. He got the job after a very public selection process where he not only competed against internal, time served candidates, but also a list of very qualified external candidates. Thanks to the transparency of the process, the public, both in Austin, and far and wide, were able to follow the process every step of the way. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence catches up with Rob Luckritz to discuss his first 100 days in office. Luckritz describes his reception so far, what he has found and his future plans for ATCEMS. He also offers advice for young EMS leaders aspiring to get a senior job at an organization such as ATCEMS and how to prepare for an EMS leadership career. Luckritz also takes part in a quick-fire round, highlighting his thoughts on our current EMS challenges from recruiting to available ambulances and everything in between.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. This week, Inside EMS co-hosts Chris Cebellero and Kelly Grayson discuss a drafted resolution by NREMT that could affect certifications at all levels.  If the resolution is approved following a public comment period, the National Registry executive director would update the initial certification requirements for all levels of certification (EMR, EMT, AEMT, and paramedic) to include successful completion of an EMS education program that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards and: has an CAAHEP-accreditation, or has been issued a CoAEMSP “Letter of Review,” or has received state EMS office approval. Listen to the discussion and weigh in below with your comments.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Ed Racht, MD, chief medical officer at Global Medical Response; and Joelle Donofrio-Odmann, DO, deputy chief medical officer, San Diego Fire Department, to discuss what the future holds for EMS. The discussion focuses on how we get others in the house of medicine to realize what we do and appreciate it.  EMS1 is the premier media partner at the Pinnacle EMS conference, and Rob, Mike and Remle are also part of this year's Pinnacle Shark Tank Innovation Generator pre-conference session. In this series of podcasts, the EMS cast of the Shark Tank will join Rob to discuss their own hot topics.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. On this week's podcast, our co-hosts analyze bodycam footage released by the City of Dallas after a patient died in police custody while being transported in the back of a Dallas Fire-Rescue ambulance. According to a Dallas police deputy, the patient "became quiet and started to lose vital signs" while en route, and died shortly after arriving at the hospital.  Listen as our co-hosts break down the video and share tips for handling a similar situation.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this week's episode, co-host Kelly Grayson interviews fellow host Chris Cebollero about his efforts to create a universal reimbursement plan for community paramedicine work. For the last three years, Cebollero has collaborated with a commerical payer to establish a pilot program that levels the reimbursement playing field, regardless of the type of EMS delivery system – fire-based, public, private, etc. The program is expected to expand to 10 states this year. Cebollero also discusses the logistics of the program, how agencies get up to speed and trained, and what it means for the future of community paramedicine in EMS.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence welcomes Remle Crowe, PhD; and Mike Taigman to discuss research, improvement science and project implementation. Along the way, they also cover the UCLA Prehospital Care Research Forum, a red lights and sirens project update, and their top research projects. EMS1 is the premier media partner at the Pinnacle EMS conference, and Rob, Mike and Remle are also part of this year's Pinnacle Shark Tank Innovation Generator pre-conference session. Over the next few weeks, the EMS cast of the Shark Tank will join Rob to discuss their own hot topics.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. This week, Inside EMS co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the recent mass shootings across the country in New York, Texas and Oklahoma. What does the increase in shootings mean for EMS providers and should agencies prepare? Should organizations increase training for these types of scenarios? The discussion also revolves around hardening targets, arming teachers and industry impact.  Additional resources: Rapid response: 5 ways to be prepared for an MCI in your community Child death calls: How to talk to your family and support your mental health Preparing a workforce to deal with emotional trauma

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In light of the recent monkeypox outbreak, both the CDC and Atlanta’s National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) have issued specialist guidance to both EMS and healthcare. To discuss this emerging issue, Rob Lawrence is joined by Alexander P. Isakov, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine at Emory University.  He is also the director for Emory’s Section of Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, whose faculty and staff provide medical oversight for 911 communications centers, first responders, and air and ground ambulance services in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Additionally, Dr. Isakov founded and directs the Emory-Grady EMS Bio-Safety Transport Program, which supports the Emory University Hospital Serious Communicable Diseases Unit and the CDC for the transport and management of persons confirmed or suspected to have a high consequence infectious disease.  Discussed in the podcast are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, methods of transmission, precautions for providers and notification requirements. The conversation also includes COVID-19, and the current upward trend in cases.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this episode, host Chris Cebollero interviews co-host Kelly Grayson about his new book, "Perspectives, Volume I: An Emergency Medicine and Public Safety Anthology." The concept for the book came from a successful excercise on Grayson's blog, in which he would create a fictional patient and elicit the perspective of an ER nurse and a police officer to understand how they see the same patient.  For his book, Grayson expanded on the concept, and invited a number of public safety and public health professionals to collaborate on the work. Our co-hosts discuss how readers should approach the book, where the idea came from and what a lay person can glean from the pages.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this special edition of EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence is joined by Mike Taigman, improvement guide at FirstWatch, and Nicole Holm, MA, BCC, a chaplain with Allina Health Emergency Medical Services.  This edition was recorded the day after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Holm and Taigman discuss resilience and the role of chaplaincy in EMS. The conversation identifies coping strategies and methods to prepare a workforce to deal with such levels of mental trauma in the future. Read more: Uvalde aftermath: What should we do today? - “Sadly, this isn’t the last time we will see these headlines, but for us, today, put the tourniquet away and focus on the heart and soul of those in our charge.”

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of  EMS One-Stop, Host Rob Lawrence speaks with Stefan Korshak, senior defense correspondent for the Kiev Post. U.S.-born, now Ukrainian resident Korshak is a journalist and foreign correspondent reporter specializing in conflict zone work.  Rob and Stefan discuss the general situation in Ukraine, humanitarian and refugee issues, and support being provided to displaced citizens by the Ukrainian Government, and the unity and morale of the general population. In the second half of the podcast, Stefan recounts a recent visit to the front line and his interaction with ambulance and frontline medical support and evacuation operations.  To conclude, Stefan identifies current needs and it’s ambulances … as long as they are 4x4 AWD and armored.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a recent news article out of Florida regarding a Fla. patient's Do Not Resuscitate order. The family of the patient alleges EMS providers violated the legal wishes of Celeste Salanitri, 81, who suffered from end-stage Parksinson's disease, after she was treated for a fall at an assisted living facility.  "There is so much ambiguity when it comes to DNR's that EMS providers need to be up on how to handle when nursing staff or family members say there is a DNR in place," Cebollero says.  Our co-hosts end the show by describing a series of DNR scenarios to consider how they would respond in the moment.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode, host Rob Lawrence delves into the essential work of State EMS Associations, their functions and the key legislative activities they are undertaking. His EMS leader guests for this podcast, recorded at the recent AAA Stars of Life event, include: Terrence Ramotar, director for government affairs for the SE region for Global Medical Response, and president of the Florida Ambulance Association Jimmy Pierson, president and COO of Medic Ambulance Service in Northern California, and president of the California Ambulance Association Chris Anderson, COO of Bell Ambulance of Milwaukee, and president of the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the concept of self awareness and emotional intelligence. Sometimes people push our buttons, and we allow emotions to dictate our actions – why does this happen? What is the process of analyzing our emotions that allows us to control them when confronted? Cebellero outlines the components of emotional intelligence and offers tips to better understanding through reflection and developing a solid self-awareness.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. Anna Muller is a TikTok sensation who has been viewed on her channel over 20 million times. Muller now spends her time as a transformational life coach and public speaker. As a keynote speaker at the American Ambulance Association 2022 Stars of Life Ceremony on May 3, 2022, in Washington D.C., Anna described the moment two paramedics saved her life after she made a difficult 911 call. That call changed her life, and generated a TikTok message that has touched millions since. In this EMS One-Stop Podcast, Anna tells Rob Lawrence her story of survival, hope, courage and resilience, and how the interaction with EMS changed her life. Anna and Rob also discuss the patients’ eye view of being the patient in crisis and receiving care from EMS.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open – to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss EMS1 Editor-in-Chief Kerri Hatt's recent article, "Fentanyl: Separating fact from fiction," which dispels the myths surrounding the drug and details how first responders should safely approach a scene where fentanyl is present.  Additional resources:  Educate public safety partners about fentanyl protection Opioid overdose: Fact vs. fiction Fentanyl fever and MIH opiate interventions MRSA, fentanyl, bed bugs: What are you bringing home with you? 6 strategies to protect first responders from fentanyl Quiz: Fact vs. fiction on fentanyl exposure

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss an article by Andrea Abbas, MS, NRP, IP, CP-C, "5 leadership flaws that hold us back." The duo discuss the difficulties of leading multi-generational crews, their own personal management styles, how complacency can cause a disconnect with field crews and more. According to Cebollero, "the true measurement of leadership success is how engaged, satisfied and productive the workforce is – everything else is extra gravy." This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T. FirstNet uses the latest technology to keep your lines of communication and data open—to help you respond faster, smarter and safer. Contact us Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This is a special edition of the Inside EMS Podcast – enjoy a crossover post from Chris Cebollero's Ultimate Leadership Podcast. This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of the Ultimate Leadership Podcast, Chris Cebollero is joined by Vivian James Rigney. Vivian is in a relatively small group of individuals to have climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents of the planet. When he summited Mount Everest, Vivian had a life-changing experience, which he recounts in his recently published book, “Naked at the Knife-Edge: What Everest Taught Me About Leadership and the Power of Vulnerability.” Vivian James Rigney is president and CEO of Inside Us LLC, a boutique executive coaching consultancy, operating throughout five continents. He has helped implement leadership development initiatives for some of the world’s leading companies and their executive teams. As an executive coach for some of the world’s most successful leaders, he is known for building a strong rapport with people and asking tough and incisive questions, with an uncanny ability to help them reveal and become their best version of themselves.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the 14-cent pay increase announced for Austin-Travis County EMS; the first pay increase since 2018 – and not one that delivers a living wage to the members of ATCEMS. The Austin EMS Association was reportedly asking for an increase in EMT base pay from $19 an hour to $27 an hour.  [Read next: A 14-cent raise. Are you kidding?]

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the success of Trentin Monk, who was one of Kelly's EMT students. Trentin passed the NREMT cognitive exam in only 70 questions; at 15 years and 196 days old, that accomplishment makes him the youngest EMT ever certified in the state of Louisiana. The conversation then shifts to a new course offering from NAEMT. The organization will begin offering Political Academy, an eight-hour seminar designed to educate providers on how best to progress EMS causes in the political arena at the state and federal levels.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a recent court case where a nurse was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide for a medication error that lead to the death of a patient.  Chris and Kelly discuss the facts of the case and how the verdict could impact EMS. They also outline the steps providers should take to protect themselves when dispensing and administering medication on duty.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This week, President Biden announced that Russia is in the planning phases of a significant barrage of cyberattacks against the United States, and reported Russian-sponsored cyber aggression at sustained levels never seen before. To discuss the implications of the effects of a cyberattack on EMS infrastructure, EMS One-Stop Host Rob Lawrence welcomes EMSA COO, Frank Gresh, and FirstWatch Cyber Security Strategist, Bill Ott.   Mike Taigman also joins to discuss the recent FirstWatch alert.

In this episode of Inside EMS, host Chris Cebollero shares five tips for becoming the best industry professional possible, and stressed the importance of behaving like a leader, regardless of position.  Cebollero's advice touches on the importance of acting like a leader, focusing on skill growth, staying in control of your emotions, advancing your listening skills and showcasing your professionalism at every turn.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence welcomes an international panel to discuss falls, drops and lifts. Matt Streger, attorney with Keavney & Streger; Brian Hupp, director of EMS at the Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee, and newly awarded Tennessee EMS Administrator of the Year; and Simon Claridge, CEO of Mangar International, based in the UK, join the show. While discussing falls, drops and lift, Matt describes a patient movement sim lab used by one of his clients, funded by an insurance company in order to assist with the prevention of paramedic acquired workplace injuries and with the liability associated with dropping patients. Brian talks protocols and prevention, and Simon identifies UK health and safety law and the requirement for every vehicle to carry lifting devices. He also touches on mandatory training for care home staff and highlights the post-falls management white paper now made available to U.S. services.

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the challenges we are having with recruiting and retaining good EMS providers. Kelly offers tips for getting the very best out of the new workforce. The duo focus on the importance of having a normal onboarding process. As most systems are short-staffed, too many agencies are cutting short the onboarding process and throwing new employees to the wolves. The discussion then moves to the topic of hazing and bullying new employees. It is this behavior that will turn a new employee off to the organization. Chris asks, "is it time to put this practice to bed?" Read Kelly's article, “Top 10 ways to ruin a good EMT,” and listen to the discussion below.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss traumatic brain injuries, following the recent revelations surrounding the death of comedian Bob Saget. Our co-hosts discuss what providers need to know about TBIs, as well as how to treat and manage patients with suspected head injuries.

This episode of EMS One-Stop is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence welcomes Tony O’Brien (Boston EMS), treasurer of the National EMS Memorial Foundation and Tim Perkins (VA Office of EMS), board member of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Tony identifies a timetable and the progress towards establishing a permanent monument in the national capital to honor the heroism, courage and enduring sacrifice of all past, present and future EMS providers and to remember and celebrate the lives of those killed in the line of duty. Tim outlines how the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride honors emergency medical services personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty. Tony explains that H.R. 1037 – the National EMS Memorial bill – was signed into law by President Donald Trump, becoming public law 115-275 in 2018, starting the formal countdown to establishing a memorial. Additionally, Tim reveals the routes and dates of the five 2022 routes covering the East Coast, southern route, Midwest, Colorado and West Coast.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Maria Beermann-Foat to discuss her recent article, "The first 90 days: 12 strategies for laying a foundation for a rewarding career while onboarding new employees," part of EMS1's special coverage package, "Year one: Creating a career path for new EMTs." The conversation covers Beermann-Foat's 12 strategies, as well as tips for how to make the best impression possible on new employees over the first 90 days and a discussion on how this strategy assists with developing a strong employee culture.  Read more of the EMS1 special coverage:  The first 90 days Turnover: We have measured it, but can we manage it? Improving personnel performance through evaluations and training 3 ways you're losing EMS providers and how to stop the revolving door 4 steps to improving EMS retention through onboarding

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the most interesting industry news of the week. First, our co-hosts discuss a story about the creation of an EMS council attempting to pool resources to develop a mult-state EMS solution.  "Good on these states for trying something new and trying to get it done," Cebollero said. "We need role models because there are going to be other states and other counties that need to look at this type of model to sustain for the future." Next, our co-hosts discuss two stories that focus on safety in EMS and assault on providers by patients.  Join the discussion: Listen to the episode and share your thoughts in the comments below.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the importance of the 2022 EMS Trend Report and how every voice in EMS matters as to the future of our field. "It is our responsibility to leave the profession better than we found it," Cebollero said.  The conversation then transitions to retirement and how EMS professionals can take advantage of the retirement benefits at every agency they work. Finally, our co-hosts discuss a recent position paper released by 13 industry groups regarding the use of lights and sirens by first responders. The document lays out the challenge of emergent response, who is being hurt, and gives 10 suggestions on how to change the culture.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence chats with NAEMT President, Bruce Evans about the upcoming virtual EMS on the Hill Day.  The online event, which consists of virtual meetings with members of congress, spans the week of April 4-8 with groups organized by state and scheduled into Zoom meetings. Rob and Bruce discuss the NAEMT legislative agenda and the requests that attendees will be asked to make in their meetings.  Bruce also discusses the collaboration taking place between a number of national associations and the lobbying value that it brings. Also included: information on the forthcoming workshop to be held at the Pinnacle conference where NAEMT will provide guidance on how to run for public office.  Bruce's aspiration is to have at least one EMS professional in each state house, if not more.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the launch of the EMS Trend Survey 2022, which will provide the data for the 7th annual EMS Trend Report. During the conversation, the hosts emphasize the importance of field providers participating in the survey.  "This is their opportunity to have their voices heard," Cebollero said. Grayson echoed his sentiment. "This is a chance to take stewardship of our profession," he said.  The pair also discuss Grayson's recent article, "Whatever will we do without the skill sheets?" regarding NREMT's plan to sunset skill sheets for paramedic certification, and what other changes are needed in EMS edcuation. Cebollero and Grayson also discuss a recent news item from Lexington, Kentucky, that found a nearly 7% decrease in call volume due to the area's robust community paramedicine program.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Dr. Adam Saltman, chief marketing officer for Eko Health. The discussion centers on tips and best practices for accurately using a stethoscope to listen to heart tones and lung sounds. According to Dr. Saltman, data gleaned from stethoscopes help providers chart the best path for patient treatment.  Listen to the group discussion and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Have a comment or suggestion? Send an email to theshow@ems1.com.

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. On Jan. 29, 2022, FirstWatch took an exceptional step in issuing a cyberattack warning as cyber and ransomware attacks in the U.S. were peaking. FirstWatch’s systems identified public safety infrastructure and sites were included in this round of direct attacks. In this rapidly recorded EMS One-Stop podcast, Rob Lawrence first chats with Mike Taigman as to why FirstWatch decided to send out a far-reaching alert. He is then joined by FirstWatch cyber security specialist, Bill Ott who discusses the types of attacks observed as well as the up-to-the-minute situation as attempts on public safety systems are continuing. By way of further example, Bill also discusses the ransomware attack that occurred in Durham, North Carolina, and extracts lessons learned from that event that can be used as strategies in the current elevated threat environment.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Reuben Farnsworth, clinical/operational coordinator for Delta County Ambulance District and EMS1 columnist, to discuss his latest article, "Do we really need degrees in EMS?" "Bettering yourself and having those letters behind your name gives you a little confidence, gives you a little bit more opportunity to grow, gives you a bit more focus," Cebollero said of pursuing an undergraduate program.  What are your thoughts? Do you think there should be degree requirements in emergency services?

In this episode, Lexipol Editorial Director, Greg Friese, MS, NRP, joins cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson to kick off the eighth year of tackling the hot topics in the Inside EMS podcast. Friese offers some insight into what EMS1 will be focusing on in the year ahead, from physical, mental and emotional safety and wellness, to continuing to provide timely, accurate, relevant and actionable information relevant to topics like COVID-19, clinical recommendations and legal issues. The conversation also includes a discussion on the alarming frequency of ambulance and apparatus crashes resulting in injury or death, and what is needed to keep patients and providers safe. From engineering controls, to fatigue and workload management and continuing education, Friese identifies two main buckets from which to improve ambulance safety: Provider mindset: making a commitment to staying seated and belted when in motion Safety monitoring: implementing a monitoring and reporting system to measure compliance Finally, the group discusses provider burnout, and how the EMS Trend Survey seeks to identify pressure points that are challenging providers, and the actions leaders can take to recruit and retain talent. As Grayson puts it, this is your chance to lend your voice, and your hand to “steer the ship.” Coming soon: The EMS Trend Survey, which informs the EMS Trend Report, will be released this month. Check back at www.ems1.com/ems-trend-report/ to help guide future coverage and provide insight into the status of EMS and workforce needs

This episode of EMS One Stop is sponsored by Blink; the mobile app helping EMS providers to better communicate with their field staff. Learn more about how Blink's two-way communications features are helping to reduce first responder turnover at www.joinblink.com. Communicating is the subject of this edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast. Host Rob Lawrence welcomes UK-based George Monk, from Blink, and Ron Quaranto, a board member of the American Ambulance Association and co-chair of the AAA Workforce Board. Quaranto is executive vice president for operations of Cataldo Ambulance, based in Boston.  Cataldo is the largest 911 provider in Massachusetts, and the discussion focuses on the challenges of leading a large organization in the pandemic including retention and recruiting, vaccines and mandates, and – above all – communicating with the workforce, in Cataldo’s case, now spread across 20 deployment areas.

This is a special edition of the Inside EMS Podcast – enjoy a crossover post from Chris Cebollero's Ultimate Leadership Podcast. In this episode, Cebollero is joined by speaker, author and coach Bo Brabo. Bo stops by to share his leadership expertise regarding the importance of after-action reviews and how they are essential for the growth of a team and organization. He discusses how best to cultivate a value-based organization and the keys to use those values to inspire and motivate the workforce. Bo shares his thoughts about his book, "From the battlefield, to the White House, to the boardroom." Bo had the opportunity to work at The White House during President Bush's and President Obama's administrations. What was the biggest lesson Bo took from that experience? Join the discussion to find out.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In the final episode of Inside EMS for the 2021 season, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson count down the top five stories that generated the most debate and buzz by readers this year. Did you miss any of these high-engagment articles? Listen to the podcast and read for more. Okla. FF disciplined for transporting burned child in engine Unvaccinated Wash. firefighters will no longer be able to respond to medical calls Toxicologist: You can't just touch fentanyl and overdose Ambulances held hostage: Can the hospital make you stay? A triad of findings: 3 case presentations for Cushing's Triad

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this week's episode of Inside EMS, Kelly Grayson is joined by guest host Rob Lawrence. The subject of the week is trauma, and Rob and Kelly discuss the origins and meaning of the Trimodal Distribution of Death and the advances in trauma treatment. Kelly then answers the key trauma treatment question of fluids versus pressors.

This episode of EMS One Stop is sponsored by Blink; the mobile app helping EMS providers to better communicate with their field staff. Learn more about how Blink's two-way communications features are helping to reduce first responder turnover at www.joinblink.com. In the final EMS One-Stop podcast of the year, the tables are turned on host Rob Lawrence as Lexipol/EMS1 Editorial Director Greg Friese, MS, NRP, takes over the mic and welcomes Rob as the guest. Rob is about to celebrate 30 years in EMS leading both military and civilian prehospital ambulance services and Greg drills into Rob’s views on leadership. Having served in the British army and many deployments in the early ’80s, Rob was selected for officer training and entered Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On receiving the Queen’s Commission as a second lieutenant, he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and the rest – as they say – is history.  Rob and Greg discuss the influences of Sandhurst on Rob’s leadership style and how that is carried forward to this day. Topics discussed include pride, integrity, learning, humor, service, courage, communication, trust, training and serving to lead.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this special crossover episode of Inside EMS, host Chris Cebollero speaks with Chief Marc Bashoor, host of the Side Alpha Podcast, about the major news and trends impacting EMS and fire in 2021. Cebollero and Bashoor unpack issues related to apparatus and ambulance safety, the COVID-19 vaccines, ET3 and telehealth, the use of ketamine, mayday training, and staffing shortages.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss top industry headlines. Grayson kicks the conversation off with highlights of the bill signed by President Joe Biden to expand the Public Safety Officers Benefit, which aims to improve the function of the program. Our hosts also celebrate the promotion of Micah Morgan, who became the first female to be assigned to the elite Tactical Paramedic Team at Austin-Travis County EMS. The duo also discuss a decision by ATCEMS to remove a question related to marijuana use from their career application.

This episode of EMS One Stop is sponsored by Blink; the mobile app helping EMS providers to better communicate with their field staff. Learn more about how Blink's two-way communications features are helping to reduce first responder turnover at www.joinblink.com. In the light of the series of articles on ambulance patient offload times and hospital bed delays by Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, host Rob Lawrence is joined by PW&W Attorneys Doug Wolfberg, Esq.; and Steve Wirth, Esq. A solid discussion takes place on the EMS legal and ethical obligations to patients at the ED, and strategies to combat hospital bed delays, as well as the downloadable tip sheet also available at EMS1.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the article by Jonathan Lee "Understanding prehospital vasopressors: Dopamine, epinephrine or norepinephrine?" The hosts discuss the resurgence of vasopressors in the EMS field, particularly when it comes to treating sepsis. The conversation follows what vasopressors are used for, how they work, and some of the things to look out for when administering vasopressors to patients.

This episode of EMS One Stop is sponsored by Blink; the mobile app helping EMS providers to better communicate with their field staff. Learn more about how Blink's two-way communications features are helping to reduce first responder turnover at www.joinblink.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence catches up with Harris County ESD11 EMS Chief Executive Doug Hooten. ESD11 is now at day 80 of being a new service provider – get an inside look at their progress. Doug provides background on ESD11’s fleet of hybrid Ford Ambulances and the challenges of building a full fleet before the go live date, and also comments on his recruiting initiatives, which – even in the current era of shortages – sits at 110% staffed. Rob and Doug also discuss operation enhancements and initiatives, from offering staff a doggy daycare, to the creation of a Resilience Officer post to look after the wellbeing of all staff.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a hot topic in the EMS1 community: EMT placement of a supraglottic airway in the field. The conversation touches on the future of EMS, the expanded role of EMTs and how training should adapt.

This episode of EMS One Stop is sponsored by Blink; the mobile app helping EMS providers to better communicate with their field staff. Learn more about how Blink's two-way communications features are helping to reduce first responder turnover at www.joinblink.com. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence chats with Christine Fiechter, executive director of the 501c3 Charity EMS Gives Life, and live liver doner Will Lindbergh, whose selfless act spurned the creation of the charity. Cambridge, Massachusetts’ Pro EMS CEO Bill Mergendahl was inspired to launch EMS Gives Life after seeing the personal example set by one of his paramedics, Will Lindberg, who made the life-giving decision to become an anonymous liver donor. Will was inspired to learn more about liver donation after responding to an emergency call from a patient with liver failure. In February, 2020, Will underwent a laparoscopic procedure to remove a portion of his liver, which helped save the life of 3-year-old Ian Charles, who was suffering from a rare type of liver cancer that can affect babies and young children. Listen in to learn more about Will’s story, and why EMS Gives Life encourages first responders to give a small piece of themselves to give someone else a new chance at life – and help address the chronic unmet need for life-giving organ donations.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle the topic of EMS education. The National Registry of EMTs recently announced it was doing away with skill sheets for EMS providers, setting up an issue for educators to determine the best way to teach the skills. The discussion also touches on teaching tools that hinder rather than help instructors in the classroom.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode, host Chris Cebollero is joined by guest co-host Matt Zavadsky, the chief strategic integration officer for MedStar Mobile Healthcare in Fort Worth, Texas, and the immediate past president of NAEMT.  Zavadsky breaks down three reasons for the current EMS staffing shortage, and outlines what agencies can do to reserve resources, as well as how to compete with other work opportunities. Zavadsky also touches on the topic of vaccine mandates and the repercussions some responders are facing for not complying. The discussion concludes with a debate about EMS redesign and the importance of partnering with local officials.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss an article by Mike Taigman centered on mental health, "A 5-step wellness checkup," with tips for learning to focus on the things you can change and forgetting the those you can't.  The conversation turns to the recent fatal shooting by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of his upcoming movie, "Rust." Baldwin was handling a prop gun when multiple shots were fired, injuring the movie's director and killing the film's cinematographer. Our co-hosts discuss what providers need to know about firearm safety.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the top EMS news of the week, starting with Kelly Grayson's most recent EMS1 contribution, "Top 10 apps to make you a better EMT." Our hosts also dicsuss a news story concerning a Dallas paramedic caught on video allegedly assaulting a homeless man.  The conversation then turns to the topic of vaccine mandates in New York and Maine. The FDNY recently announced all members will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, placing those who refuse on unpaid leave, a policy that has proved effective for EMS agencies in Maine.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-host Kelly Grayson shares a personal story after getting hurt and preparing for an upcoming surgery. He shares his experience working through the disability process, and what others should know about its complexities. The conversation touches on his mental health status, his concern over taking pain medications and the importance of EMS providers in similar situations talking through these emotions.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence sits down with EMS attorneys Steve Wirth, of  Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, and Scott Moore. With vaccination mandate deadlines looming, the discussion focuses on current vaccination requirements, accommodations – including the increase in numbers of those with deeply held religious beliefs. They also examine the right of the employer to require vaccination in return for employment and pay, as well as the free choice of the employee to celebrate their liberty and freedom and move on elsewhere if they feel they can’t comply.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. Should healthcare professionals lose their jobs if they refuse a COVID-19 vaccine? In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson enter into a lively discussion on the topic of nurses being relieved of duty secondary to refusing a COVID-19 vaccine.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the death of firefighter trainee Peyton Morse, and Greg Fries’s recent analysis, “Respond to ‘I can’t breathe’ like it’s a mayday – because it is.”

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. This is a special edition of the Inside EMS Podcast – enjoy a crossover post from Chris Cebollero's Ultimate Leadership Podcast. In this episode of the Ultimate Leadership Podcast, we flip the script a bit, we are not talking about professional development, but instead the 5 tips you need to know about keeping yourself as healthy as possible. Host Chris Cebollero is joined by Dr. Nick Barnes. In this crazy time of the pandemic, what is the best way to keep ourselves healthier? Dr. Barnes shares his expertise on developing a nighttime routine, clean eating, the power of movement and how hydration aids the body in cell nutrition. Get insight into how to become the best version of yourself. Come and join the discussion.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohost Chris Cebollero is joined by guest co-host Corey Ricketson, vice president of national accounts for Pulsara, who shares his experiences visiting multiple EMS agencies throughout the country. The discussion focuses on the role of EMS during the pandemic and how EMS needs to adapt for the future, as well as how interoperability, connection and communication should be part of the main focus for EMS agencies.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohost Chris Cebollero is joined by NAEMT President, Chief Bruce Evans, MPA, CFO, SEMSO, NRP. Evans is the fire chief for the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, located in Bayfield, Colorado. The duo discuss the recent indictment of paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec, and what the charges mean for EMS.

In this special episode of the Inside EMS podcast, fire, EMS and law enforcement leaders from across the Lexipol media sites come together to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero looks back on the industry-altering event with Side Alpha Podcast host Fire Chief Marc Bashoor, EMS One-Stop host Rob Lawrence, and Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley. This special episode of the Inside EMS podcast is sponsored by Verizon.

In today’s episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence sits down with EMS attorneys Stephen R. Wirth, Esq., EMT-P; and Douglas M. Wolfberg, Esq., EMT-B; of Page, Wolfberg and Wirth, to discuss the legal analysis of the charges brought against Colorado firefighter-medics in the Elijah McClain case. Wolfberg and Wirth discuss their analysis articles as well as wider issues arising from the recent ketamine bill, signed into law governing the appropriate use of chemical restraints on a person (HB21-1251).

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Robbie MacCue and Lisa Giruzzi of the EMS Leadership Academy. Robbie and Lisa share an overview of the EMS Leadership Academy, how it got started and the resources associated with the organization. The conversation then transitions to the upcoming EMS Leadership Summit scheduled for next week. This is a free, four-day event that will have over 30 speakers from all over the world sharing their leadership expertise.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by loyal listener Ronnie Hill, who flips the script on the traditional guest dynamic and asks his own questions of the Inside EMS hosts. Hill questions Cebollero about the leadership path, asking for advice when it comes to a lack of support from upper management, as well as how to be successful and how to grow in their role. Turning to Grayson, Hill asks questions about EMS classroom management, how an instructor maintains inspiration and how to teach to the best of their abilities.  Have a question for the Inside EMS hosts? Send us your thoughts to theshow@ems1.com.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss EMS1 columnist Rob Lawrence's article covering Dr. Bryan Bledsole's presentation at Pinnacle 2021 on the areas of EMS that need to be changed. Chris and Kelly share their thoughts on the topics Lawrence touched on his article: the use of lights and sirens in EMS response and transport; the need for ALS response and air ambulance utilization; and, finally, using more BLS responders for care than paramedics.

At the recent Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum, Rob Lawrence sat down with Jay Fitch, PhD, founding partner of Fitch and Associates; and Greg Friese, MS, NRP, Lexipol editorial director. The trio discussed the Pinnacle gathering, its value to EMS leaders, and the key takeaways and memorable moments. Greg also highlights the Pinnacle Quick take articles he has produced and published during the conference, and Jay identifies his favorite and most memorable sessions.

In this episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss advanced airway management, specifically the SALAD methodology. Grayson breaks down what exactly the SALAD methodology is, how to perform it, and the importance of practicing this skill when dealing with secretions and vomitis in the airway. To end the episode, the duo share their top tips on developing great skills when it comes to airway management.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the topic of pediatric cardiac arrest following two recent articles on EMS1 that tackle the topic from different angles. Is it time to change the practice of how we handle out-of-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest? According to our hosts, the days of scooping and running are over, and EMS providers need to become more comfortable in staying on scene and delivering care before transport. During the discussion, Cebollero asks listeners, if providers know that pediatric calls are a personal weakness, "What are you doing to turn that into a strength?" He adds that "leaders are cupable if calls go bad" if they are not encouraging and working with providers to strengthen those skills.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss how best to treat patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Our hosts give an overview of the pathophysiology of CHF, and outline some of the causes. The discussion also touches on the medications that CHF patients may be taking, and the standard of care treatment for CHF.

In this episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence, Rob welcomes guest Scott Moore of Moore EMS Consulting and HR consultant to the American Ambulance Association. Rob and Scott discuss the results of the third annual American Ambulance Association (AAA)/Newton 360 Ambulance Industry Employee Turnover Study. The Turnover Study findings reveal the cost of replacing EMS providers and that a third of recruited EMS workers move on in the first year. Rob and Scott discuss: •How to retain staff throughout the first year •The cost of recruitment versus the budget for retention •The value of an exit interview, versus a retention interview for those who are not leaving

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss how the COVID-19 virus is making a resurgence in the form of the Delta variant. In addition, the Lamda variant was discovered at a hospital in Texas. The duo then switch to discussing a story out of North Carolina, where one county has instituted the use of body-worn cameras for EMS providers. Cebollero and Grayson take a pro/con approach to the conversation in terms of institution, the effect on training, and how they could be abused by EMS leaders.

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by New Castle County EMS Division Chief Mark Logemann, who discusses his agency's internal Paramedic Academy, which is currently accepting applications for its new cohort. Chief Logemann discusses the culture of the academy, how it got started, and the application process. According to the chief, one of the great benefits of having your own paramedic program is the ability to set the culture, and not only train the next generation of paramedic, but also grow the type of employee you want to see in the future.

In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, our co-hosts, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, discuss the news of the week as requested by listener emails. The first topic of discussion is the new Colorado law that has gone into effect that will restrict ketamine use by paramedics on agitated people outside a hospital setting. Signed by Gov. Jared Polis this week, the law on the appropriate use of chemical restraints on a person dictates when and how the drug should be used. The discussion then shifts to sexual harassment and workplace bullying. In a settlement with the city of Chicago, five female paramedics will receive $1.825 million. The five women, whose names have not been revealed publicly, filed a 2018 suit alleging the fire department "ignored sexual harassment complaints and failed to conduct meaningful investigations of alleged sex discrimination." Our hosts discuss an article written by Linda Willing that outlines how EMS chiefs have to be the catalyst for stopping harassing behavior in the workplace.

This is a special edition of the Inside EMS Podcast - enjoy a crossover post from Chris Cebollero's Ultimate Leadership Podcast with guest Coach, Speaker and Author, Jeanie Cisco-Meth. When Jeanie was young, everyone knew she was different. When she got into school, the labeling began. She had so many learning disabilities and physical differences, she stood out. She had dyslexia, she couldn’t talk very well, she was legally blind, she was six feet tall by the eighth grade, she was a cancer survivor, and the list goes on. Jeanie has made it her crusade to stop bullying, not only working in the corporate world, but taking her message right into the schools. In this episode of The Ultimate Leadership Podcast, Jeanie discusses why people bully, how to confront bullies, and she shares some insight from her two books. Subscribe to the Ultimate Leadership Podcast at ultimateleadership.blubrry.com for more.

Dov Maisel advises on 5 elements of disaster response as United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit team responds to Florida A month ago, they responded to domestic and terror-related mass casualty incidents in their own country. Now, they’ve deployed overseas to provide their expertise to the tragic building collapse in Surfside, Florida. Members of the Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit (PCRU) from United Hatzalah of Israel flew into Miami to provide psychological support and stability to the families and neighbors of those injured, killed or affected by the tragedy.

In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, our co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the Surfside, Florida condo collapse near Miami with Chief Gary Ludwig. The group discusses how many people are working the scene, developing logistics and how to manage a scene this big. Ludwig is fire chief of the ISO Class 1 Champaign (Illinois) Fire Department and past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson welcome back returning guest Dr. Peter Antevy, who serves as the EMS medical director for Coral Springs-Parkland (Fla.) Fire Department, Davie Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Dr. Antevy is also the founder and chief medical officer of Handtevy – Pediatric Emergency Standards, Inc.  Dr. Antevy recounts the recent Gathering of the Eagles conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the safety procedures put in place for the event. During the five-day conference, attendees discussed a variety of topics, from head-up CPR to the use of whole blood in the field. Dr. Antevy also delves into EMS' role in combatting human trafficking, and what the next two years look like for the EMS industry.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle a hot button issue: medical marijuana and its use by public safety members. Our hosts discuss a firefighter from Buffalo, New York, who was discharged from his position for using marijuana, despite being having a prescription, and are joined by attorney David C. Holland to discuss the event from a legal angle.  The conversation delves into the responsibility of leadership, how the Collective Bargaining Agreement factors into the debate and how EMS should address the issue in the future.

As we head out of the depths of the pandemic and adjust to the “new normal,” the vaccination status of the workforce – in order to protect both coworkers and patients alike – is a major consideration. This week, a judge rejected a lawsuit from Houston hospital workers who had been suspended for not being vaccinated. This issue is an emotive one, and to unpick these issues, our host, Rob Lawrence, speaks to employment and HR Lawyer, Scott Moore. Scott helps us understand the issues of mandatory vaccinations, declaration of vaccination status and more.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss getting back into the classroom and training students again. Grayson is working with a group of high schoolers to become EMRs, and plans to conduct a PLUCK lab and use pig organs to teach the anatomy of the body. Students will have the chance to dissect the different organs and see them up close.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a recent pattern of reported assaults on EMS providers, and what leadership can do to ensure the safety of their members. The duo also revived a long-standing debate on the idea of armed providers.  "My job is to deliver the highest quality of patient care, but if you make me defend myself, it is a different story," Cebollero said.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop podcast, our host, Rob Lawrence, interviews Doug Hooten, CEO of the brand-new Harris County Texas, ESD 11 EMS Agency, who was presented with the challenge of creating an ambulance service and building it from the bottom up – to be up, running, staffed and equipped within 365 days.

With Chris Cebollero still out on vacation, co-host Kelly Grayson takes guest host Rob Lawrence and listeners home to Louisiana to meet and chat with state EMS director and president-elect of NAEMT, Susan Bailey. They discuss Bailey's current position, how Louisiana is credentialed, and the perseverance of state providers who have risen to both the challenges of the pandemic and a number of natural, weather-related events.  The group also discusses the current challenges to delivering EMS in a rural setting and the issues that are making industry news in terms of rural, finance, staffing and viability.

With Chris Cebollero away, stand-in host Rob Lawrence and regular presenter Kelly Grayson welcome Dr. Jon Krohmer, director of the NHTSA Office of EMS, for an EMS Week chat. Dr. Krohmer explains the role and tasks of the Office of EMS, as well as its interaction with the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) and National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC). Rob also raises the issue of data and the team discusses the NEMSIS weekly "by the numbers" product.

United Hatzalah volunteer emergency response Director of Operations Dov Maisel speaks to EMS1 from Jerusalem about resiliency in the face of recent mass casualty responses and the ongoing response to rocket attacks

In this episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence, Rob is joined by Justin Grohs, manager at Great Falls Emergency Services, Montana. Grohs also serves the American Ambulance Association as chair of the Rural Task Force. Together, they discuss the realities, challenges and funding of rural EMS, where staffing and financial stressors have been further exacerbated by the pandemic.

With Inside EMS co-host Chris Cebollero away on vacation, Kelly Grayson is joined by guest host Rob Lawrence. They welcome Dr. Peter Antevy, MD, who serves as the EMS medical director for Coral Springs-Parkland (Fla.) Fire Department, Davie Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Dr. Antevy is also the founder and chief medical officer of Handtevy – Pediatric Emergency Standards, Inc.  The show begins with a reflection on the life and achievements of Paramedic Ted Setla, a highly regarded EMS filmmaker who suffered an SCA last week and whose family said is not expected to live.  The group then touches on the return of EMS conferences after a year of Zoom gatherings. Dr. Antevy discusses the upcoming "First There First Care" conference and the much-anticipated "Gathering of Eagles" in its new Florida location this summer from June 14-18. Dr. Antevy also talks about his new web series, Reel Emergency, a collaboration between Drs. Mark Piehl and David Spiro, and Prodigy EMS. The group also discuss the "secret sauce" of delivering an online education session. Are you a fan of the show? Please rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Send your suggestions to theshow@ems1.com.

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, our host, Chris Cebollero, is joined by EMS1 Columnist and Editorial Advisory Board Member, Rob Lawrence. Topic of discussion is the Iowa EMTs that were cited by the state for starting an IV off duty. The discussion then turns to the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in EMS and how best to return to work. Rob then shares a little bit about his podcast, EMS One-Stop.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the adage of treating the patient, not the monitor. While the numbers are a vital piece of the puzzle, it's important to look at the information in context of what's going on with the patient as a whole, the duo reminds listeners. During the discussion, Grayson touches on the concept of defensive medicine, which happens when a provider or ER physician does myriad tests to see what will "stick" regarding a patient's symptoms. Grayson also offers tips for providers who are working to use monitor numbers as a starting point to treating the whole patient.

In this podcast, host Rob Lawrence pays homage to our heroes in headsets in recognition of the recent National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and he also looks to the future of triage with guest Conrad Fivaz, MD. Dr. Fivaz chairs the Council of Standards for Emergency Nurse Triage within the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, the body responsible for the clinical governance of the nurse triage protocols. He fulfills the role of clinical director for Priority Solutions Inc. He is also a member of the IAED CBRN committee.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a new piece of legislation proposed in Colorado that would limit the use of ketamine by EMS providers, as well as similar laws being considered in other states. The conversation also delves into how to treat excited delirium, as well as the implications of legislators creating laws governing EMS and how that will affect providers in the future.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Dan Phillips, national director of Responder Health, who speaks with the co-hosts about first responder mental health and how to make a difference.  As most are aware, 2020 was an immensely difficult year for many people, particularly first responders, who were on the frontlines and exposed to the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. From risking exposure to the disease to responding to crisis situations exacerbated by nearly a year of isolation, first responders are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and trauma. And, unfortunately, many don’t have the tools to deal with these extreme emotions in a healthy way. “After 28 years as a first responder, and as someone who battled PTSD, the one thing I believe that all first responders have in common is that they are more focused on helping others rather than taking care of themselves,” Phillips said. “In the midst of this pandemic, our first responders need to be making sure that they are taking care of themselves and the other first responders around them. If they aren’t, they cannot effectively help those they are serving.” Phillips says intervention from a colleague led to him finally seeking treatment after experiencing severe PTSD stemming from his response as a first responder to the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Now, Phillips hopes to pay it forward and serve as a mentor for others, as his colleague did for him.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by New York EMT Jennifer Murphy, whose book "First Responder: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Love on New York City's Front Lines" was recently published.  While on the podcast, Murphy shares the inspiration for her book, describes her favorite sections and explains how she determined which stories to include with our hosts.

On this episode of Inside EMS, co-host Chris Cebollero interviews fellow host Kelly Grayson about his recent live EMS1 webinar – Plan C: Advanced Airway Management (now available on-demand).  Grayson shares his thoughts on basic airway management, discusses his six stages of the airway continuum and answers a difficult question: Is intubation becoming obsolete in our career field?  During the discussion, the hosts also touch on transtracheal jet ventilation, retrograde intubation and the use of surgical crics. Interested in viewing Grayson's webinar? Get the link below: On-demand webinar – Plan C: Advanced Airway Management: https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/medical-equipment/airway-management/articles/on-demand-webinar-plan-c-navigating-the-difficult-airway-aOojrUNae48W68j8/

In this edition of EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence, our host, Rob Lawrence, chats with NAEMT President, Chief Bruce Evans. Rob and Bruce discuss the current progress on treatment-in-place legislation, Bruce’s first 100 days in office as NAEMT president and the forthcoming virtual EMS on the Hill Day, which will take place April 13-15, 2021.

This is a special edition of the Inside EMS Podcast - enjoy a crossover post from Chris Cebollero's Ultimate Leadership Podcast with guest Behavioral Psychologist, Dr. Denise Dudley. In EMS, we are always coming across different personalities both in the office and in the field. These tips that Dr. Dudley shares will share how to understand passive, aggressive and assertive personalities and how to nip communication challenges in the bud. This show really outlines the information needed to interact with these three personalities. This is a must-listen show. Subscribe to the Ultimate Leadership Podcast at http://ultimateleadership.blubrry.com for more.

ATCEMS Chief Ernie Rodriguez on EMS challenges during crippling Texas winter storm by EMS1 Podcasts

Looking outside the industry for recruitment and retention best practices

In this episode of Inside EMS, Chris and Kelly are joined by Oren Barzilay, FDNY EMS Local 2507 president as the FDNY marks the 25th anniversary of its merger with the emergency medical service of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, to discuss wage discrepancies, educating the public about the work EMS does.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence, our host, Rob Lawrence welcomes guests Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, EMT; immediate past president of the National Association of EMTs, and Gary Ludwig, immediate past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. They discuss vaccine hesitancy, PPE fatigue and the current legislation involving the provision of treatment in place and the hurdles still to jump.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, our host, Rob Lawrence, is joined by guests Dr. Will Smith and Medical Student Jasmine Rah. Dr. Smith and Rah are the founders of the COVID-19 Literature Surveillance Team (LST) which is reading, grading, decoding and explaining the majority published COVID-19 research that has been published in the last 12 months.

Rob Lawrence joins hosts to celebrate 7 years of 'Inside EMS' by EMS1 Podcasts

MedStar’s Matt Zavadsky and NASEMSO’s Dia Gainor discuss traffic incident management and EMS’s role in multi-agency response after 133 vehicle pileup.

POCUS: Unnecessary or undervalued? by EMS1 Podcasts

Clinical Education Manager Gina Carbino breaks down the transition from EMT to ER nurse by EMS1 Podcasts

MCHD's Sean Simmonds on COVID-19 and life after the pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

Is it ever acceptable to transport a patient in a fire truck? by EMS1 Podcasts

Proposed SC bill criminalizes some ketamine uses by EMS1 Podcasts

Welcome, 2021: Vaccine status and professionalism in a politically charged environment by EMS1 Podcasts

Medic's side-gig choice prompts discussion on provider pay, benefits by EMS1 Podcasts

Is it time to start arming medics? by EMS1 Podcasts

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Mike Taigman, improvement guide for FirstWatch, discusses his 5-step wellness checkup and how to look after the welfare of others, as well as coping strategies, including Mike's own journey into meditation.

Nick Nudell explains the working theory behind EMS COVID-19 vaccine guidelines by EMS1 Podcasts

Ambulance transfers: Who should be financially responsible? by EMS1 Podcasts

The word of the week is vaccine, but is it giving EMS leaders a headache already? Host Rob Lawrence discusses the issues with American Ambulance Association HR Consultant, Scott Moore. Rob and Scott discuss the options open to managers to ensure all are vaccinated, while acknowledging the hope that science and understanding will prevail.

Should EMS be a COVID-19 vaccine priority? by EMS1 Podcasts

Deprioritizing epinephrine in the order of interventions

Creating an effective tabletop training exercise for pre-planning MCI response

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob chats with Jason Killens, chief executive of the UK's Welsh Ambulance Service. During the London Bombings, Jason was the deputy director of operations for the London Ambulance Service and played a major part in the command and control of the response to the UK's first multi-site, simultaneous major incident. Jason describes training staff to deal with major incidents, the complexity of response to an 800 casualty incident across four separate locations. He also describes lessons identified and the inquiry that followed.

Epidemiologist Morgan Anderson on how to track your mental health by EMS1 Podcasts

Reimagining Resuscitation - Episode 3: Reproducible results

The key to saving more lives in a mass violence incident: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

What NYC's 911 mental health pilot program means for EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Developing our political EMS response plan: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

What to do about the EMS elephants in the room by EMS1 Podcasts

Reimagining Resuscitation - Episode 2: Quality of lives protected

Reimagining Resuscitation - Episode 2: Quality of lives protected

Challenges for the road ahead, no matter the state of pandemic and politics: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

AHA 2020 guidelines: What providers need to know by EMS1 Podcasts

How will NREMT testing changes impact EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Data is still my favorite four-letter word: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

The psychology behind provider vaccination by EMS1 Podcasts

Reimagining Resuscitation Episode 1: The Rialto ROSC journey - The four acceptable pauses in CPR

Tactical Napping: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence by EMS1 Podcasts

The ongoing recruiting and retention crisis by EMS1 Podcasts

#ems1 #lexipol #connect2020 #insideems #podcast

Operation Warp Speed: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence and Matt Zavadsky

Welcome back, Kelly: A first-hand account of Hurricane Laura by EMS1 Podcasts

How Dr. Craig Manifold's EMS advocacy impacted the career field by EMS1 Podcasts

Stand and Deliver: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

This week in EMS: New ET3 start date, COVID-19 vaccine plan and ketamine use by EMS1 Podcasts

EMS Trend Report - How current events will shape the future of EMS: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

Street Medics: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

How 9/11 changed EMS and what the future holds by EMS1 Podcasts

Ketamine administration comes under the spotlight: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

The ketamine debate: How should EMS handle its use? by EMS1 Podcasts

The 'ambulance driver,' road safety and Zoom conferences by EMS1 Podcasts

Imaginary Barriers: How HIPAA promotes bidirectional data exchange: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

Which quality measures will improve EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

What the 2020 EMS Trend Report reveals about the industry by EMS1 Podcasts

Scene safety and responding to civil unrest: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence by EMS1 Podcasts

The transformation of EMS during the pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

Words of wisdom: Motivational speaker offers inspiration to EMS providers by EMS1 Podcasts

EMS in the news: A 50 year milestone, hazard pay and ambulance safety by EMS1 Podcasts

50 years of prehospital medicine: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence by EMS1 Podcasts

How EMS leaders can combat a toxic work culture by EMS1 Podcasts

EMS 2050: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

On this episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Buck Ferris, who discusses post-EMS professions and his role as an organ donation training coordinator. There are many different jobs that providers can transition to once they decide to leave their EMS careers. Ferris talks about the different types of organ donation, defines some nomenclature, discusses training and shares some of his experiences on the job.

EMS by the numbers: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

Is EMS a career field or a stepping stone? by EMS1 Podcasts

Keep up the external political pressure for the good of EMS: EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

On this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into the mailbag to answer a listener question on professionalism. The listener describes his coworkers walking patients to the stretcher, or suggesting they call a ride-sharing service, like Uber, instead of calling for an ambulance. How, the listener asks, should they handle this display of unprofessionalism from their peers? Cebollero states this is a culture issue. "Vision is where you are going, strategy is how you will get there and culture is the behavior of the organization on the way to reaching the vision."  Is more in-field supervision needed, or is this a leadership issue? Join the discussion to get the answers to these and other questions.

Understanding asphyxia: Postional, traumatic or strangulation? by EMS1 Podcasts

Do we have the right stuff? – EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

Tracing a new pathway for EMS workers - EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

How will EMS be perceived after the global pandemic subsides? by EMS1 Podcasts

The future of EMS staffing post-pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence - Legislative hurdles check hazard pay, PSOB Benefits

Fla. Assistant Chief of Special Ops shares his agency's pandemic response by EMS1 Podcasts

Thank you, EMS providers, for your dedication by EMS1 Podcasts

What does good leadership look like during a pandemic? by EMS1 Podcasts

Key financial packages and operational asks to keep EMS afloat and functioning EMS is a business, like it or not, and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly highlighted the economics of delivering patient care. The rule of thumb is simple: if we can’t make payroll, then we can’t pay the workforce, potentially leading to furloughs, layoffs and closures.

Inside EMS: Inside EMS celebrates 1M listens by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The new normal: Living and working during the pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

How to reduce stress during a pandemic, with Mike Taigman by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Host Kelly Grayson shares his COVID-19 response experience by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Inside the NY COVID-19 surge: An EMT shares his experience on the frontlines by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Are private EMS agencies being forgotten during the pandemic? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Pandemic prep: Hospital coordination, PPE best practices and community paramedicine by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How an EMS medical director prepared for the pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Using data to make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Overcoming the virus: A paramedic describes his COVID-19 experience by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The view from inside a New York hospital dealing with COVID-19 by EMS1 Podcasts

Rapid Response: When demand outstrips supply: Decompressing the system by doing the best for the most

Inside EMS: How to prepare your fire-EMS department for a COVID-19 surge by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The role of community paramedics during COVID-19 by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Utilizing community paramedicine and streamlining operations during COVID-19 by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How state EMS agencies are handling COVID-19 patients by EMS1 Podcasts

Universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada are closing or limiting access to students and instructors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to Rob Theriault, a long-time paramedic instructor and educational technology expert, discuss available methods for continuing EMT and paramedic class on this special episode of Inside EMS. Greg Friese, EMS1 editor-in-chief, and a former co-host of the EMSEduCast, asks Theriault about easy to use tools for webcasting, screencasting, quizzes and how to use YouTube.

Inside EMS: Protecting providers during the COVID-19 pandemic by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How EMT 360 introduces students to patients earlier by EMS1 Podcasts

Implementing ET3: EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence

COVID Fear - EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

Inside EMS: Chief Marc Bashoor on fire-EMS crossover, Side Alpha podcast by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Rob Lawrence on 'Move Over' laws and the future of EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Arming Medics - EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence

Inside EMS: A succession plan for the 'Gene Gandy's of tomorrow' by EMS1 Podcasts

Move Over: EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence

HIPAA Violations: EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence

Inside EMS: Developing a substance abuse program by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Coronavirus: A great opportunity for EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The "great debate" of field intubation by EMS1 Podcasts

Coronovirus: EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence

Inside EMS: What the FDNY medic partner attack says about toxic EMS culture by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: DKA and sepsis capnography applications by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: EMS in 2019: Which stories stood out from the year? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Goodbye 2019: The EMS highs and lows by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Preventing medication errors in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Making the most of smartphone apps and features on the job by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: All things stroke-related: Diagnosis, treatment and transportation by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Patient assessment includes checking for medical alerts by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Buffalo Wild Wings inhalant response: Making on-scene resource decisions by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The pervasiveness of social media and its effect on the industry by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How EMS instructors can tip the scale in their students' favor by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Tackling gender inequality in fire, EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Passing the torch of Bryan Fass' legacy by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Is a Medicare buy-in for retired first responders over 50 a good idea? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Honoring the memory of Paramedic Bryan Fass by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Podcast recognition, 9/11 reflection and Batman EMT by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: 'Confessions of an EMS Newbie' reemerges with new style of EMT education by EMS1 Podcasts

Our co-hosts are joined by Austin Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) Chief Ernie Rodriguez to discuss staggering survey results about the prevalence of violence in EMS

Inside EMS: Treating and transporting bariatric patients by EMS1 Podcasts

Our co-hosts discuss airway management and its important role in EMS, including common misconceptions and the standard all providers should strive for

Inside EMS: Keep talking: Don't let EMS provider mental health become a taboo topic by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: What the 2019 EMS Trend Report reveals about the industry by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How to have a successful job interview by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How to cultivate a culture of accountability by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How EMS providers can earn a college degree by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Paramedicine Across Canada Expo, the science of human performance and more by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Passion, creativity have impact on EMS continuing education by EMS1 Podcasts

Our co-hosts discuss the three techniques EMS providers should use to determine if a patient has the mental capacity to decline medical treatment

Inside EMS: Implementing mental health support into your agency's culture by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Which EMS models will stand the test of time in a changing industry? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Live from Initial Assessment Conference: EMS education and leadership by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How prevalent is PTSD among EMS providers by EMS1 Podcasts

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Pulsara. Learn more about how you can build a regional system of care for free by clicking here. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss EMS1 columnist Kevin Grange's recent article, "Pediatric patient ABCs: 7 tips for EMTs and paramedics." Our co-hosts talk about building confidence, how best to use the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) and knowing the five different age ranges of growth development. Pediatric calls are one of the top challenges for EMS providers, secondary to minimal training and call volume.

Inside EMS: The impact of the community paramedic by EMS1 Podcasts

Our co-hosts sit down with award-winning speaker and author Rommie Duckworth, who explains how to diagnose, treat and manage septic patients

Inside EMS: Understanding the new EMS Scope of Practice Model by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How the new American Paramedic Association focuses on providers by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS celebrates 5 years, 250 episodes by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Pulsara CEO stresses importance of effective documentation, communication by EMS1 Podcasts

Our co-hosts sit down with Rob Theriault, a 35-year paramedic veteran, and a recent STEMI patient, who gives listeners both sides of the emergency

Inside EMS: Why EMS providers should be able to calculate MAP by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: NAEMT president outlines agency impacts of ET3 model by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: NAEMSP president discusses impact of ET3 model by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: NAEMT president addresses paramedic education questions by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Is concealed carry a good option for EMS providers? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Tackling the education disparity across national EMS associations by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Building the perfect clinical department by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Medical marijuana: Is it worth the liability for EMS providers? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Does medical marijuana have a place in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: NAEMT President-elect Matt Zavadsky talks all things EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Should 911 dispatchers be considered first responders? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The best advice for new EMS workers by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: 3 EMS innovations making our communities safer by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The importance of national EMS conferences by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: When should EMS professionals report abuse? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Should future paramedics be required to obtain associate degrees? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Examining the most important and current EMS trends by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Mentoring and mental health: What's new in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: What goes in to organizing an EMS conference? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: National recognition of first responders and humanizing industry personnel by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Mental health stress and signs to look for in partners by EMS1 Podcasts

Does the King Airway system signal the end of intubation skills? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Opioid exposure safety, superglottic airways and other EMS news of the week by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How to transition from the apparatus to a power position by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How to help an emotional partner by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: How much personal liability do individual providers bear? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: What does the 2018 EMS Trend Report tell us about the future of the industry? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Is it time to pull epinephrine from the EMS formulary? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Tackling the quandary of the late-night to call to increase retention by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Should nonviolent, convicted felons be accepted into the EMS field? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Understanding the mindset of a paramedic student by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Did a canceled drug trial strain the relationship between police and EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Why integration of public health and public safety data makes sense by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: Should EMS providers be able to diagnose patients? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS: The benefits of using CPAP to treat CHF patients by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Is there an optimal age to start your EMS career? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: What it takes to work in the EMS field by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why there are exceptions to every EMS rule by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Is intubation dead in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The use of medical marijuana by EMS providers by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Is 'Alexa' the future of patient care? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Are EMS providers adequately trained to manage a death scene? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Fixing the disconnect between the field and supervisors by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to approach leadership when an issue arises by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to deal with an unhappy ER nurse or physician by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Learning from the week's top news stories by EMS1 Podcasts

In this Inside EMS Podcast episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson answer a question from a listener about how an EMS leader would deal with employees that refuse to work together on the truck. Chris takes the EMS leader standpoint and Kelly takes the paramedic standpoint. Rate & review Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Inside EMS Podcast: How to break bad habits in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to break bad habits in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Acknowledging the #MeToo movement in public safety by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Top communication issues facing EMS, fire and police chiefs by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Discussing the most baffling EMS calls by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to conduct a pain assessment by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The development of airway, intubation skills by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to make 2018 the year you achieve your EMS goals by EMS1 Podcasts

In this Inside EMS Podcast episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss Cebollero's recent Forbes article about tips for constructing a leadership development program.  We want to know your opinion: What are the top attributes and skills for a successful leadership position? How do you develop a competency-based leadership program, and what is the true meaning of leadership?  Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

Inside EMS Podcast: Counting down the strangest EMS calls of 2017 by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The difference between in-hospital and out-of-hospital DNR's by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to develop into an EMS role model and mentor by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The importance of pharmacology in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to develop a culture of mentorship in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Bringing tactical EMS to initial curricula by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Tips to pass the NREMT exam by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The opioid epidemic and first responder safety by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Who should deliver needed supplies in natural disasters? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How do we prepare our communities for MCIs? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The human side of addiction by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Do national EMS protocols hurt or help our profession? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to take the next step in your EMS career by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: When can an EMS provider disobey an order? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why did you become a caregiver? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Giving volunteer EMTs meaningful incentives by EMS1 Podcasts

Our co-hosts are joined by Dr. David K. Tan to discuss the recent acknowledgment from the NAEMSP on the position paper from the U.S. Toxicology community.

Inside EMS Podcast: EMS Scope of Practice revisions that will move EMS forward by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why does skill degradation happen in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The core elements of delivering a patient assessment by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The EMS system of the future by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Opioid epidemic reveals tale of two cities by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why EMS has a problem with continued education by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The value in balancing calls, downtime in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to treat patients in high-traffic areas by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Should EMS response be delayed to determine if an ambulance is needed? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Does EMS need voice-activated technology? by EMS1 Podcasts

​​In this Inside EMS Podcast episode, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss a fan email regarding a student that is completing EMT school. The student explains that they are not comfortable in their skills, knowledge and ability to pass the National Registry exam. The student blames this on the incompetence of the instructor. Join the discussion as our co-hosts break down the multiple issues with this challenge. Learn more about the EMS1 Academy and schedule a free demo.

Inside EMS Podcast: What do new EMS providers need to know? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The concept of compassion fatigue in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Is EMS an entry-level job? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why paramedics, EMTs deserve rest breaks by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: ZOLL SUMMIT overview, sneak peek at classes by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Are paramedics capable of making an alternative transport decision? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Celebrating, reflecting on the milestone of 150 episodes by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why confidence is vital for an EMS provider by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Is EMS a career field or a stepping stone? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: FDNY EMT's death grim reminder of workplace violence by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The difference between CPAP and BiPAP by EMS1 Podcasts

In this episode of Inside EMS podcast, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Catherine Counts, an EMS1 columnist and health services researcher, to discuss her article on what color EMS uniforms should be based on current research.

Inside EMS Podcast: How AMR's medical team will help NASCAR drivers by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why EMS providers should treat children as adults by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to work with a challenging partner by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Are EMS providers getting enough sleep? by EMS1 Podcasts

FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Rick Markley on inspiring, motivating firefighters by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Advice for new EMTs working 24-hour shifts by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why is it that only bad EMS outcomes drive change? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Challenges of using ketamine in the field by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Impact of 2016 on EMS, looking forward to 2017 by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Upcoming changes to the NREMT standards by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why scene safety needs to be more than an EMS mantra by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why scene safety needs to be more than an EMS mantra by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Why EMS should treat opioid exposure as a hazmat scene by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Do we manage our patients' pain correctly in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How important is developing a culture of safety in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: 4 tips to be more professional in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Proving the value of mobile integrated healthcare programs by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How can we minimize back injuries in EMS? by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: How to care for geriatric patients by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Top takeaways from EMS World Expo by EMS1 Podcasts

Quick Clip: 3 things EMS providers need to know about the warm zone by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: The challenges with pediatric education by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Is EMS a career field or a stepping stone for you? by EMS1 Podcasts

Quick Clip: Tips on having a great EMS career by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Evaluating danger, risk during small acts of terrorism by EMS1 Podcasts

Quick Clip: How EMS can provide support for grieving families by EMS1 Podcasts

Inside EMS Podcast: Would you want your kids to have an EMS career? by EMS1 Podcasts

Quick Clip: The stigma of mental health in EMS by EMS1 Podcasts