CARLSBAD, Calif. — A fellowship created to prepare EMS leaders for system-wide decision-making is now accepting applications for its fifth year.
The Jack Stout EMS Fellowship, endowed by FirstWatch, opened its application period Feb. 15, offering selected participants advanced training focused on leading modern EMS systems. Developed by FirstWatch with the Fitch EMS Foundation, the program provides scholarships and educational opportunities aimed at strengthening the next generation of EMS leaders.
“The Jack Stout EMS Fellowship has broadened how I think about EMS systems, performance measurement, and the link between data and real-world operations,” says Capt. Nicholas Wagner of the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Services, and the 2025 Jack Stout Fellow. “The fellowship and experience are especially important right now as EMS agencies across the country face staffing shortages, rising call volumes, and increasing financial pressure with limited resources.”
The fellowship focuses on people-centered leadership, data-driven decision-making, improvement science and systems thinking.
Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2026. More information is available at FitchEMSFoundation.org.
The selected Jack Stout EMS Fellow will receive a fully funded package to attend the Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum July 13–16, 2026, at the Sheraton San Diego Resort, plus either the Fitch Ambulance Service Manager (ASM) or Communication Center Manager (CCM) program, with registration and travel covered by FirstWatch.
