Strategies to elevate paramedic safety, wellness, career development and operations
The state of the industry EMS Trend Survey explores issues tied to provider recruitment and retention; safety, health and wellness support; technology adoption; and career development, produced in partnership with Fitch & Associates and the National EMS Management Association.
EMS TREND REPORT
ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY
End the burnout cycle with proven initiatives to create a more sustainable EMS culture
Professionally trained chaplains are building sustainable systems — and freely sharing tools and education with volunteer peers across the country
Discover how EMTs and paramedics can improve sleep and fight fatigue with simple changes like air filters, blackout curtains and humidity control
Staffing shortages, weak feedback loops and outdated incentives are driving talent away. Stay interviews and engagement plans could be the solution.
Burnout tops the list of critical concerns. Discover how to recognize the signs and address root causes, to prevent and reverse burnout.
Real talk from the EMSpire Leadership Panel: leadership isn’t earned in crisis, it’s built daily, through intentional coaching, vulnerability and passing the torch with purpose
Break the one-size-fits-all approach and build trust through personalized, people-first communication
Engaging payers, the medical director, administrators and field providers was key to MedStar’s successful telehealth implementation
With burnout ranked as the top concern, the EMS Trend Survey reveals a profession pushed to the brink — and what must change to protect it
In an era of thin resources and rising demands, it’s not just tech or tactics that define great EMS teams — it’s leadership rooted in everyday respect
It’s time to match praise with policy for those on the front lines
“If you’re reading this and you’re close to your own breaking point, hear me”
Discover key findings from Florida’s largest EMS survey, highlighting job satisfaction issues, retention risks, and the urgent need for system-wide support and leadership reform
No family should have to wonder whether their loved one might still be alive if an ambulance had arrived sooner
The 2025 CoAEMSP survey underscores a critical need for systemic improvement in how paramedic education programs access and utilize clinical and field resources
From ride-alongs to station visits, true leadership in public safety means meeting your people where they are. Trust isn’t built behind a desk — it’s earned on the ground
Community paramedicine demands a mindset shift — from crisis mode to continuity of care. Learn how EMS providers can build trust, treat root causes and redefine what success looks like.
When employees are happy, engaged and productive, and the organization is meeting their individual needs, they are more likely to meet their full potential
Discover how the Johari Window helps leaders uncover blind spots, show vulnerability and foster real connection with their crews
A paramedic’s sudden death prompts urgent questions about operational norms and caregiver health
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
New Florida data shows the profession must evolve or continue to lose talent at unsustainable rates
As you begin your EMS journey, remember: the calls are real, the people are counting on you, and your training is just the beginning
Join Mike Taigman, Chris Carlson and Daniel Brown to explore how data-driven decisions, BLS units, telehealth and nurse advice lines can reshape emergency services — without risking lives
Union pressures mayor as investment in equipment outpaces investment in people
If you’ve ever worked tired, driven drowsy, or taken one shift too many, this one’s for you
With 17 paramedic vacancies, the county turns to sign-on bonuses, but will it solve the real problem?
City leaders seek millions in funding to improve EMS wages
Program aims to recruit and train 50-75 paramedics annually to strengthen workforce
State EMS Director Joe Schmider on how Texas’ data-driven plan brought in 10,915 new providers
Recruitment efforts can focus on non-traditional members, people who live outside the area and even members of neighboring departments
Eve Grau, co-founder of Royal Ambulance, a Glassdoor Employee’s Choice winner, shares the moments that matter, and how to recognize performance
From coffee, to healthy snacks and hydration options, make sure your EMS crews have everything they need to recharge between shifts with cost-saving subscription options
When the overtime pool is deep, many EMTs and paramedics will swim for as long as they possibly can
No one wants to join a sinking ship
Colorado Springs, Sacramento and Richmond: Integrating analytics into decision-making to enhance patient outcomes, personnel support and sustainable operations
“You can’t oversee EMS medicine from behind a desk.” With a full-time medical director, providers gain a mentor, coach and advocate.
The EMS Leadership Academy highlights the urgent need to address funding, career pathways and wellness support
When leadership turnover is persistent, is this a personnel issue or a deeper systemic problem?
Understanding the Employee Value Proposition is the key to attracting, engaging and retaining good people for your EMS organization
If we want to keep up, it’s time we change gears and evolve from a traditional recruitment strategy
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Reading these EMS1 articles, like watching Rudolph and singing Jingle Bells, is a holiday tradition for EMTs and paramedics everywhere
The short answer: Yes. And Dr. Jaime Brower offers the tools to make it happen.
Browse our gallery of AI-generated ugly Christmas sweaters featuring the festive world of EMS
All caregivers can find solace in small victories and salvation in providing comfort to those who are suffering
Christmas spirit is all around us, in the cops, EMTs, firefighters and nurses who bring hope just by showing up
Books
A paramedic’s role is to help people and do the best they can for each patient
EMS providers bring comfort, calm and cheer to the lives of people who need us the most
The unpredictability of the job can make celebrating the holidays a logistical nightmare; here are some unique ways to stay connected
Support first responders injured in the line of duty, new recruit education and the families of the fallen
Explaining the reason you are unable to cover an open EMT or paramedic shift is unnecessary and counter-productive
Use the habit loop to set goals in motion and achieve success
Bloodwork, CPAP therapy, supplements and nighttime routines can address hidden health issues that sabotage rest — and help medics sleep soundly again
With a few mindful swaps, you can enjoy the flavors of the season without the guilt – or the post-feast food coma
You never know when a simple “thank you” to an educator, nurse, law enforcement officer or firefighter might make a life-changing impact
EMS agencies must align innovation with mission — integrating AI, data and new tools without losing the human element that defines patient care
Preparation transforms uncertainty into confidence and ensures your organization is ready for whatever comes next
“The next evolution of EMS leadership will not be measured by how many calls we answer, but by how many crises we prevent.”
Leadership gaps are threatening workforce morale and mission readiness. Here’s how EMS agencies can close the trust divide and rebuild frontline engagement
A new study explores gender differences in PTSD and post-traumatic growth among firefighters, EMTs and medics
With 76% of EMS professionals facing burnout, agencies must prioritize recovery, resilience and leadership modeling to protect provider health and patient safety
LEADERSHIP
Reactive leadership won’t cut it. Discover how presilient EMS leaders build adaptive teams, reimagine risk, and turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Dr. Ed Racht calls for healthcare-first framing, action-oriented dashboards and the courage to celebrate wins — and be horrified by failures
A powerful story of transition, resilience and the legacy of building teams that thrive beyond your role
After the abrupt dismissal of the federal EMS advisory council, outgoing members are stepping up — ensuring the next cohort won’t start cold
Don’t assume residents know what your agency does; spell it out and explain how additional funding would positively impact community members
How seeing other EMS systems transforms your own
How EMS agencies can work with states to obtain Rural Health Transformation Program funding
What EMS leaders need to know now
Dr. Cochran shares his journey of overcoming adversity, leading through challenges, and maintaining faith and integrity in the face of trials
The Overrun weighs in on how the dismissal of all NEMSAC members could reset priorities at the federal level
In an era flooded with statistics, EMS leaders must learn to frame the facts in human terms. Storytelling transforms metrics into meaning — and meaning into momentum.
How new federal tax rules could affect your paycheck, deductions and long-term savings
Why the termination of NEMSAC is a giant loss to EMS
With shifting legislation and rising costs, EMS leaders must master the art of financial transparency. This guide demystifies ambulance funding models, cost drivers and how to make the numbers make sense.
From shrinking Medicaid rolls to rural hospital closures, this 870-page bill could shake EMS to its core. These 7 key takeaways will help your agency prepare.
Culture, consistency, and connection matter more than command. Todd Steele shares battle-tested insights for turning failure into fuel for growth.
EMS leaders hail the grant as a critical step toward better access and reduced overdoses
A new congressional bill aims to classify cross-trained EMS personnel federally, but will it be enough?
EMS leaders and educators delve into the creation and impact of the Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy — designed to empower small-town providers with big-picture leadership skills
When seconds count, structured knowledge counts even more. Learn how mapping critical info can transform training, decisions and patient care in EMS.
MedPAC, Medicaid cuts have EMS at a financial crossroads
Because “stay in your lane” was never in the job description
Why post-crash care matters: 42% of patients alive at EMS arrival die later
From emotional intelligence to adaptability, learn how to spot top-tier EMS providers
A model for personal and professional growth
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: PULSARA
Pulsara is the healthcare communications and logistics platform enabling EMS professionals to communicate with each other and the hospital during patient events and incidents. EMS teams can use mobile and browser-based devices to instantly alert downstream members of the care team with vital patient information before arrival at the hospital. The steps are simple: Create a patient channel; build your team; and communicate using live audio/video calls, secure messaging, images and more. From individual patient events to mass casualty incidents, Pulsara’s fast and flexible platform allows you to triage, track patient movement, and manage emergency response at any scale. Learn more: www.pulsara.com
How a state’s wristband system and Pulsara redefined safety at the Texas Renaissance Festival
Assistance is available from the U.S. government, but local systems have important responsibilities
Pioneering patient management and communication tools may be the answer to enhancing provider job satisfaction and combating EMS retention problems
Once you’ve determined what it will do, you face some more practical questions
It’s not as hard to get started as you might think – follow these initial steps