EMS on the Hill isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s the profession’s annual moment to stand in front of Congress and tell the EMS story with clarity, confidence and unity.
In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by NAEMT President, Chris Way, to preview EMS on the Hill (March 25–26, 2026) and explain why this event matters now more than ever: EMS is where most Americans first enter the healthcare system, and the care delivered in the field is no longer “drive-you-to-the-hospital medicine.”
| HOT TOPIC: N.D. ambulance services lose nearly $500 per transport, survey finds
Chris and Rob also unpack what’s changed — the scale of collaboration across national organizations and the discipline of going to Capitol Hill with aligned priorities and a shared message. They walk listeners through the event flow (Education Day, briefings, Hill visits, awards and reception), the importance of working relationships with staffers, and the advocacy “ask” that could reshape the future: reimbursement for treatment in place, mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine, and sustainable support for initiatives like prehospital blood. The throughline is simple: show up, speak with one voice, and translate momentum into legislative wins.
Memorable quotes
- “EMS on the Hill is so incredibly important because it’s our opportunity to tell our story to our federal legislators.” — Chris Way
- “Emergency medical services is the way that more than 75% of Americans and people in our country enter the healthcare system.”
- “When we put all of our forces together and we walk on the hill and we’re 750 or 800 strong, it really does make a difference.” — Chris Way
- “As Rep. Eric Swalwell said to me — I want you to come in and I want you to get on with the ask, and then I want you to challenge me with the follow-up.” — Rob Lawrence
- “I think the biggest focus, and this affects everybody, again, no matter the service delivery you have, this, in my opinion, is probably the biggest impact we could have on EMS in a lot of years if we can get this passed, and that’s treatment in place.” — Chris Way
Additional resources:
- EMS on the Hill Day
- One voice, one profession — EMS leaders open summit with call for unity and coordinated action
Episode timeline
- 00:00 – Chris Way frames the goal: becoming a trusted, go-to EMS resource for lawmakers
- 00:52 – Why EMS on the Hill matters; EMS as the front door of healthcare; call to action
- 02:16 – Advocacy theme and EMS on the Hill as the seminal D.C. event
- 03:27 – Kansas City summit recap; commitment to making it annual; “stronger together”
- 05:39 – Evolution of EMS on the Hill into a multi-organization partnership; one message
- 08:24 – Logistics overview begins: dates, hotel, education day, briefings, awards
- 10:16 – How to succeed in legislative meetings: reading the room, time limits, staffer relationships
- 17:14 – Priority bills: treatment in place, MIH/CP, whole blood, NAMSP priorities
- 21:02 – “This is ongoing” collaboration: monthly cross-organization calls, broader coordination
- 24:05 – Chris shares his recommended approach: prep, priorities, cards/coins, questions, follow-up
- 27:34 – Rob’s add-ons: photos after meetings, tagging lawmakers, comms/PR value
- 28:59 – Final logistics recap; what to expect as a first-timer at state tables
- 30:37 – Chris closes: unprecedented partnership, focus to “get this done”
- 31:14 – Rob plugs state-level advocacy (CAA Stars/Capitol Day)
Rate & review EMS One-Stop
Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.
