How organizational support creates a strong EMS team

EMS providers appreciate and perform at their best when leaders have high expectations

June 18, 2015 11:55 AM •

Brian LaCroix, president of Allina Health Systems EMS, explains the importance of EMS leaders using their experience to help develop the skills of the field providers and other staff around them. LaCroix shares his expectation that paramedics be the “best part of a person’s worst day.”

Memorable quotes

“One of the obligations [of leadership] is developing people around you.”
“High expectations; high support.”

Questions about support

As you listen to LaCroix ask these questions about how you support field providers and other staff in your organization.

1. What actions do you take to assemble a team of people with complementary strengths?

2. How do your personnel know that the support you have for them is just as high as the performance expectations?

3. Do you agree with LaCroix about the implication of using the word ‘empowerment’ with personnel? Why or why not?

We welcome your response in the comments. Share how you have experienced high expectations and high support in your EMS career.

Greg Friese, MS, NRP

Greg Friese, MS, NRP, is the Lexipol Editorial Director, leading the efforts of the editorial team on Police1, FireRescue1, Corrections1 and EMS1. Greg served as the EMS1 editor-in-chief for five years. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from the University of Idaho. He is an educator, author, national registry paramedic since 2005, and a long-distance runner. Greg was a 2010 recipient of the EMS 10 Award for innovation. He is also a three-time Jesse H. Neal award winner, the most prestigious award in specialized journalism, and the 2018 and 2020 Eddie Award winner for best Column/Blog. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.